KUWAIT: Health Ministry Assistant Undersecretary for Public Hygiene Affairs Dr Majeda Al-Qattan said that other than the five cases detected over the past two weeks, no further cholera cases were detected in Kuwait and that all the five patients had already recovered after receiving proper hospital treatment. Speaking to reporters, Qattan assured that there was nothing to worry about in this regard and explained that cholera is a disease caused by consuming contaminated water or food. "Kuwait has special desalination plants, bottled water and highly developed services," she underlined, pointing out that developing cholera symptoms was unlikely to happen in Kuwait.

Qattan also stressed that in collaboration with MoI and the customs department, MoH had taken all needed measures to prevent entry of the disease through sick people or contaminated goods arriving from Iraq. "All hospital and concerned bodies had been notified with how to deal with the disease, starting with diagnosis, treatment protocols, observing arrivals and preventive measures to be taken with those dealing with patients," she concluded.

Theft of six vehicles

Security sources received reports about the theft of six vehicles from outside a Special Forces camp. The sources explained that the vehicles belonged to employees working in the camp and that they had some military uniforms in them. A case was filed and further investigations are in progress.

Egaila center

MPW Undersecretary Awatif Al-Ghunaim said 99 percent of the construction of Egaila center has been completed and that electricity would be connected to it next week pending handing the building over to MSAL. Speaking to reporters after touring the center, Ghunaim said that it was one of the most comprehensive projects MPW was building to provide integrated services to both citizens and expatriates. She added that the center includes a mall, commercial stores, a community development center, a post office, a municipality center, a social unit, a police station, a park, parking places and MEW offices. "The project was built over an area of 70,970 square meters with a total cost of KD 13 million," she explained, predicting construction will be concluded by the end of October. Responding to a question about preparations for the rain season over the coming months, Ghunaim said MPW has already started cleaning rain drainage systems in various areas around Kuwait.

PACA investigating

The Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) announced investigating all complaints related to aviation filed by passengers against travel agents. PACA's assistant director for aviation safety at Kuwait International Airport Emad Al-Jlowi said if violations are found of air transport regulations, the complaints would be immediately referred to a special committee that would decide on penalizing violators. He added that complainants also have the right to prosecute the concerned agent and demand compensation.

By Meshaal Al-Enezi