PAHW and First Group Collaborate to Deliver West Sabah Al-Ahmad Residential City Project — 587 Houses to Be Handed Over in Phase Two

First Group Delivers Infrastructure for West Sabah Al-Ahmad Residential City

In collaboration with First Group Company for General Trading and Contracting, the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) has commenced the infrastructure construction project for West Sabah Al-Ahmad Residential City. The project includes the construction and maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water, and drainage networks, as well as public service facilities, alongside a total of 587 houses.

Chairman of First Group Company for General Trading and Contracting, Engineer Emeel Abdullah, explained that the company delivered the completed infrastructure to the respective public institutions, including the Public Authority for Housing Welfare, the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, the Ministry of Interior, and the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR). These institutions have initially received the subsidiary infrastructures and have a couple of weeks to provide feedback, which will be promptly addressed.

Three Phases of Handover

Abdullah highlighted that the infrastructure works already handed over represent the first phase of the project. The second phase, which consists of the fully constructed 587 houses, was handed over on Wednesday, July 24, while the third phase, involving public service facilities, was scheduled for handover on Thursday, July 25.

Project Launch and COVID-19 Challenges

Abdullah revealed that the project was launched on November 7, 2021, noting that it was not an easy task, as the COVID-19 crisis emerged during execution, bringing curfews and worker shortages. The company managed to overcome these challenges by hiring 600 workers from Nepal to replace workers of nationalities that were barred from entering Kuwait at the time. The project involved an average of 2,200 engineers and workers, a number that increased to 3,000 during certain periods.

Project Scope and Cost

The project spans a total area of 582,000 square meters and cost a total of KD 68 million. It utilized the latest architectural styles and incorporated high-quality materials, some of which were used for the first time in Kuwait.

Sustainable Solutions and Premium Finishes

Abdullah explained that adopting sustainable energy solutions is a priority for the company, with the medical center equipped with a solar energy system, while the houses feature central heaters aimed at reducing traditional energy consumption by 20 percent. The houses were also supplied with luxurious finishing touches, including central water filters, suspended ceilings, energy-efficient central air conditioning, fully furnished kitchens and bathrooms, and high-quality wooden doors and windows.

Technical Challenges and Early Delivery

Abdullah pointed out several technical challenges the company faced during implementation, most notably uneven ground levels that required extensive effort to level by filling low-lying areas with sand up to four to six meters high. He revealed that despite having a grace period beyond the scheduled completion date, the company did not need to utilize it, as the project was finished earlier than planned.

30 Years of Real Estate Leadership

Abdullah highlighted the keenness of First Group Company for General Trading and Contracting to be among the leading real estate developers in Kuwait, in line with the country's future strategy, owing to the company's 30 years of specialized experience in the field across Kuwait, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, where it has executed numerous major projects.

He said the company is currently involved in several projects in Kuwait, including the construction of three towers within the Al-Hessa Al-Mubarak project, the development of public facilities in Al-Mutlaa Residential City and Mubarak Al-Kabeer City, the establishment of youth centers for young men and women in Sabah Al-Ahmad City, and the completion of infrastructure works in the southern part of Sabah Al-Ahmad City.

Commitment to the Highest Quality Standards

Meanwhile, Construction Manager at First Group, Engineer Hesham Roshdy, affirmed the company's commitment to implementing the most advanced designs, utilizing top-quality materials, and employing highly efficient and innovative engineers along with the most skillful workers. He expressed the company's readiness to receive feedback from the relevant institutions within the coming weeks, which will be promptly addressed.