Coll 30/9 'Persian Gulf: Administration Reports 1926-1938' [‎367r] (738/1028)

rain water, gave out an obnoxious smell, and became the breeding ground for
mosquitoes until nature dried the water up.
In addition to the above, the dirty state of the fish and meat markets, and the
unsanitary condition of the town slaughter house, were always sources of anxiety.
It was useless for the Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. to attempt any sudden reforms, as expe
rience has shown that among conservative, not to say fanatical, communities such
as exist in Kuwait, attempts to bring about sudden changes usually rebound on
the reformer, and are quickly seized upon by hostile elements, only too ready al
ways with their accusations of British interference, etc., etc. The Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency.
decided that by taking the matter quietly and educating the leaders, reforms
would come of themselves. His policy in this and other matters has been to make
the people themselves clamour for improvements and not to try and force his views
on them. This policy has been justified by results—and whereas only two years
ago he got the reply a propos of the question of street sweepers, “ God has always
kept the city clean and healthy by giving us a sandy soil, dry climate, and hot
sun, why therefore trouble yourself about sweepers,” to-day there is such a desire
for improvements abroad, that if anything it requires checking. On 9th April,
a red letter day for Kuwait, and as a result of prolonged and friendly discussions be
tween the Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. and the Ruler,yffis Excellency the Shaikh issued a decree
ordering a Municipality to be introduced for the town with staff as below:—
One Rais el-Belladiyeh,
One Secretary,
One Mudir, and
10 members, unpaid.
His Excellency informed the Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. that to enable the necessary
start to be made he had given Rs. 5,000 from his privy purse. This decision to
start a municipality was the more praisworthy, as it meant the levying of further
taxes on the people already feeling the effects of the depressed pearl market and
bad trade.
The principal municipal taxes ordered to be levied, were—
House Tax,
Boat Tax,
Motor Car Tax,
Slaughter House Tax,
Arthiyeh (ground) Tax,
Shop Tax.
To-day an almost unbelievable change in
apparent and among the principal improvements
following :—
The removal of approximately 5,000 tons
rubbish heaps.
The appointment of street sweepers and
water carts.
The placing of circular metal recepticles at street corners, for rubbish.
The widening of certain congested portions of the main Bazaar.
The opening up of two new streets to motor traffic, and the widening gene
rally of the motor car roads running along the water front of Kuwait.
Approximately 5,000 houses have been numbered and to-day pay House
Tax.
When it is realized that in the past, there existed no form of municipal control
and the public had been allowed to cast refuse anywhere they choose in the street,
and that there had been no attempt to repair, sweep or light the streets,
the boon conferred on the town has to be seen to be appreciated. To-day the most
conservative of Arabs has been converted to the idea of sanitary improvements,
and the need for cleanliness.
the cleanliness of the town is
effected may be mentioned the
of street refuse in the shape of
the introduction of refuse and