Bibi Al-Yousef: Distribution of 370 homes in Timaa and Sulaybiyah

Sheikha Bibi Al-Yousef, Chairperson of the Women’s Housing Committee at the Public Authority for Housing Welfare, announced that the committee will continue distributing rented homes to Kuwaiti women, prioritizing applications based on data updates and compliance with required conditions, under the slogan “From You and To You.” She noted that the current distribution includes 370 homes for women whose applications date up to 2020 and earlier.

Speaking during a distribution ceremony for women in the Sulaybiyah and Timaa areas, Al-Yousef stated that the recipients were those who had submitted rental housing applications, updated their data, and received notifications via the “Sahel” app. The event was held at the Abbas Maaref Hall (the Authority’s theater).

Al-Yousef explained that the distribution was limited to 370 homes despite covering applications from 2020 and earlier because the committee focused on women who had updated their data and met all requirements. She added that the number of distributed homes is linked to the availability of units provided by the Ministries of Interior and Defense, as well as the Public Authority for Housing Welfare.

She urged recipients not to incur additional expenses on the rented homes, describing them as temporary accommodations until they move into new permanent housing. Al-Yousef emphasized that the committee ensures the delivery of habitable units; if a home is found to be unsuitable, a specialized committee will inspect it and replace it.

Regarding the backlog, Al-Yousef noted that when the committee assumed its duties, there were 7,111 women’s housing applications. She pointed out that some old applications date back to the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s and have not yet been updated. The committee granted women a three-month deadline to update their data, running from July 19 to October 19. She stressed that failure to update within this period would result in the cancellation of the housing application. As of now, only about 3,900 women have updated their data. Al-Yousef called on remaining applicants to expedite the update process to ensure their applications remain active and eligible. She noted that before July 19, 2,400 women had already updated their data.

On the issue of new housing, Al-Yousef announced that the committee is scheduled to receive approximately 9,000 homes in January and April 2028. She clarified that the committee has stipulated that homes will not be handed over until the infrastructure and basic services in the area are fully completed, including schools, clinics, associations, and other facilities, to ensure women move into fully serviced communities.

She added that beneficiaries’ data will be updated again before moving into the new homes, as family circumstances may change in the coming period.

Regarding priority for women with disabilities, Al-Yousef explained that applicants with disabilities receive a priority equivalent to five years, provided they submit a recent disability certificate and the disability is moderate or severe. This priority does not apply to cases of mild disability.

Al-Yousef noted that the committee has reserved a number of available units outside the lottery system to be used as replacements in cases where a home is proven unsuitable. She stressed the importance of beneficiaries visiting the home immediately after receiving it and reporting any observations or defects to the committee within a specified period, allowing for necessary repairs or replacement if the home is deemed uninhabitable. The inspection period is valid for three months to facilitate replacement if the home is not suitable for habitation.

Regarding homes deemed unsuitable for habitation, Al-Yousef stated that a letter must be submitted to the Kuwait Municipality, and the residence will be inspected before demolition.

Concerning the new alternative area to replace the Sulaybiyah and Timaa homes, Al-Yousef clarified that it is part of the Affordable Housing Project, named “Wabra.” She noted that the name may remain or change, with a target move-in date of January 2028.

She confirmed that the regulations applied to beneficiaries will continue to apply when moving into the new homes, with data updates required due to potential changes in family circumstances. Al-Yousef stressed that citizens must reside in their assigned homes within three months, and inspection teams will monitor actual occupancy. If the beneficiary is not found in the home during this period, the unit will be withdrawn.

She added that the usufruct contract will specify the number of eligible family members, and compliance with the registered number is mandatory. Inspection teams will monitor this in the field. Al-Yousef explained that a citizen who withdraws her request within the first three months can submit a letter relinquishing the home while retaining her housing rights. However, withdrawing after a long period since the home’s allocation may result in the loss of her housing rights.