The last couple of days have seen parts of block 1 overturned ready for the water pipes I assume. This picture was taken this morning. I hope the disruption is not for the whole two months that Bu Bader (comment on previous quote) mentioned this phase will take.

In any case this is good news. Water connection wil hopefully also mean some greening of the area. can’t wait.

My neighbor and friend, AbdulRahman, sent me this recent information ad from one of the newspapers. It looks like we are finally there with water supply. The tankers that always seem to start their pumps as I doze off to sleep will soon be a memory for us in Mangaf – and not a day too soon.

Block 1 water supply will be disrupted. I hope the new connections (my house is one) will be a simple process without too much digging and mess… Good luck to those doing the work and congratulations to the residents of Mangaf.

This photo by Ramon Marbella captures last year’s dramatic sandstorm as it hit Mangaf. It was taken from Kuwait Meteorological Department website, and was the second place winner in their recent photo competition. In my opinion it should have been number 1.

Link: http://www.met.gov.kw/photo_contest/?page=winners

I have no excuse for the delay between posts. Maybe now that I’m able to post from my phone, I’ll remember to do so more frequently. The fact that I don’t travel as much as I used to will also help.

The works on the highway (30) seem to be progressing. There is a lot of pressure on this road and It will only increase with all the residential areas under construction further north of Mangaf (near Messila). This exit will help when entering and exiting Mangaf and I hope it facilitates better traffic movement – especially during the morning rush.

No we just need the water to be connected and for some nice shrubs to decorate the streets. Anyone know when the water is coming?

I have been neglecting this blog for sometime now… It’s funny how the nearest of things can feel like the furthest.  I often remember to post an update as I’m boarding a flight out of Kuwait.  Then I get too busy when I come back home.

There are so many changes to the area with roads, footpaths, road signs and even newly finished houses.  New mosques are nearing completion and many gardens are also taking shape.

The most recent update which I could not ignore is the testing of the street lights earlier today.  It looks like the final set of street lamps will be switched on this week.  It will feel very different – I remember when phase 1 was switched on back in December 2007.

It took me a while to realise what the mess was near the exit from 30.  This is the largest diversion I’ve seen on a highway outside downtown Kuwait City.  I think it will be a challenge for sometime.  The plans for the bridge sound very exciting though, so it will be worth the wait.

The funny thing is that the project will take as long as we’ve been waiting for it.  I first mentioned it in 2008 here, and again last year here.

I’m sure you’ve noticed the many mosques in Mangaf.  We’ve also been hearing most of them.  At least three are still under construction: two new and one under renovation.  These are images of these particular mosques for later comparison.

Mangaf Beach was affected by an oil spill and has since received some attention.  It was being regularly cleared over the past few weeks by KNPC.  The final touches, which were by no means a small task, were carried out by a group of volunteers who organised themselves to be there for three hours last Saturday.  Do please remember: the weather only started getting better this week, so the heat was also there with them!  I was unfortunately unable to join (my sincere apologies) and I hope to be there next time.

On behalf of anyone reading this post, and indeed everyone benefiting from a clean beach, I want to thank Yuri Lipkov for organising the clean-up, and Yan Liu for keeping me informed. The group photo above is by Mr Akbar (KNPC) – Thank you.

The next clean-up is planned for down the road, Mahboula Beach on Saturday 30th October 2010 7am-10am.

To make discussions easier, and to make the website more friendly and accessible, there is now a Facebook page linked to Mangaf.net.  Visit it, Like it, and please add it to your favourites to help promote it.

See you there.