This should help the roads as more and more people move in. It offers an entrance from the highway into Mangaf without stopping at any lights. Theoretically it should mean leaving Mangaf without any lights but I hope it doesn’t become another bottle neck we all want to avoid.

Looks like a good job that actually finished on time. I don’t know anything about their budgets but if they planned their finances the same way I’m sure the contactor did well.

Mangaf is looking significantly different with many houses under construction in what seems like a second boom after the roads. The blocks are outlined, the streets are numbered and water is now available for those who complete the tedious paperwork for connection to the mains. I jog here in the evenings and the level of traffic has increased – uncomfortably so in some parts – but it’s a sign of more and more people moving in. The mix is of many nationalities, from the east and the west. Even the Kuwaitis who have bought here are from all the backgrounds that make up Kuwait.

Another year or so for the final tidying up and this town will be a wonderful place to live.

The big diversion has been removed on 30 at the Mangaf exit and the road officially numbered 303. They’re yet to sort out the exit roads and connection to Sabahiya but it’s all looking very good indeed.

The fibre optic phone cables are going underground. I got this photo from my neighbour, Abdulrahman, as I’m away this week. We are a step closer to getting a more ‘finished’ looking town when the telegraph poles that have kept us going thus far are taken down.

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.