The recent Mangaf fire has revealed severe building code violations in Kuwait’s investment and private sectors. In response, real estate owners are dismantling illegally constructed studios, which had been built under the municipality and Ministry of Electricity and Water’s watch. These unauthorized constructions have strained the electrical network, worsening the summer energy crisis.

A local newspaper tour in Farwaniya and Hawalli governorates showed that many real estate owners have created studios without official approvals, leading to higher rents and additional pressure on state services. Most affected buildings are nine-story structures.

Property owners are now removing these illegal rooms to avoid penalties and power cuts, as reported by building guards in Hawalli. This situation raises questions about the role of supervisory authorities before the Mangaf fire. According to sources from the Ministry of Electricity and Water, unauthorized building additions have strained the electrical and water networks, causing frequent outages and burdening the sewage system and parking facilities.

Directives from top government officials have called for the immediate removal of these violations through ongoing campaigns. Although efforts have started, progress has been slow due to the problem’s scale.

The state is committed to protecting its infrastructure and is taking action against illegal modifications to safeguard essential services. The Mangaf fire highlights the need for strict enforcement of building codes and infrastructure maintenance to ensure public safety and infrastructure integrity.