Kuwait Awards $3.3 Billion Contract to Chinese Firm for Largest Sewage Treatment Plant

Kuwait has approved a $3.3 billion contract for the construction of its largest sewage treatment facility, marking a major step toward strengthening the country’s wastewater management infrastructure. The contract, valued at 999.85 million Kuwaiti dinars, was announced through Kuwait’s official gazette.

According to a report by Zawya, the Central Agency for Public Tenders has authorized the Ministry of Public Works to move forward with a direct contract awarded to China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) for the development of the North Kabd sewage treatment plant.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Chinese state-owned construction giant will design, build, operate, and maintain the facility over a 10-year period. Once operational, the North Kabd plant will be capable of treating up to one million cubic meters of wastewater per day, making it the largest wastewater treatment plant in Kuwait.

Strengthening Kuwait–China Infrastructure Cooperation

The North Kabd project is part of a broader wave of China-backed infrastructure investments in Kuwait. In December, Kuwait signed a separate $4 billion agreement with China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) for the development of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, a strategic maritime project aimed at enhancing the country’s logistics, trade, and regional connectivity.

These projects underscore Kuwait’s efforts to modernize its public infrastructure while deepening economic cooperation with China.

Addressing Wastewater and Environmental Challenges

Despite its significant oil wealth, Kuwait continues to face long-standing challenges in wastewater management and reuse. Limited storage capacity and infrastructure constraints mean that a substantial portion of treated wastewater is discharged into the sea, while reuse is largely restricted to irrigation purposes due to quality limitations.

The North Kabd sewage treatment plant is expected to play a critical role in expanding treatment capacity, improving water reuse efficiency, and supporting sustainable water management as Kuwait works to address environmental pressures and resource constraints.

Once completed, the project is anticipated to significantly contribute to public health, environmental protection, and infrastructure resilience, reinforcing Kuwait’s broader strategy to modernize essential services and reduce environmental impact.