KD 112 million project proposed west of Jahra Road

KUWAIT: While many people like to visit the current Zoo in Al-Omariya area, especially during the winter season, a dream for a grand facility to host animals of various kinds is still lingering in the minds of people living in Kuwait. The Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) recently proposed a KD 112 million ($336 million) Grand Zoo project to be opened west of Jahra Road.

Top officials at PAAAFR, including Director General Faisal Al-Hasawi and Deputy Director Dr Ali Al-Qattan, said that the project, which will attract millions of visitors, was still in its early stages. The project will be separated into five zones, which includes parking, entry and exit gates, and open-air animals' displays, in addition to areas for services, paths, and utilities.

The project will generate job opportunities for both Kuwaitis and expatriates. The private sector might be involved in the process of building the Zoo. The project had been planned since the 1970s and 1980s; however, it was put on halt due to the Iraqi invasion.

The project came back to light in 2008 and PAAAFR was assigned to study its prospects. The initial estimate of the project was at KD 20 million ($60 million). The current Zoo in Omariya, opened in 1968, will continue to operate, but the grand Zoo project will be more of an open-air experience. - KUNA