THE CATALYST | LAND PORT DESIGN COMPLETED FOR IRAQI-KUWAITI BORDER
HIGH-TECH APPROACH The final designs and plans for the circa 727,500 m² site include industry-leading technologies for customs transactions and goods clearance. These will improve the experience of travelers, increase the efficiency of customs revenue collection and reduce overcrowding, while maintaining preventive health measures. Fadi Tannir, K&A’s project manager for the new land port, says: “This is a strategically important project for Basra Governorate which will stimulate economic growth and longterm prosperity in southern Iraq, while energizing tourism activity between Iraq
and other Gulf countries. “Our design will transform the Safwan border crossing, introducing muchneeded infrastructure to enable the swift and efficient entry and exit of goods and people, taking advantage of best practice systems and technologies.” MEETING MODERN EXPECTATIONS K&A was appointed to the project in December 2019, in response to the current lack of facilities and infrastructure at the Safwan border crossing. “We have worked closely with the relevant agencies to understand their
needs both now and in the future,” adds Tannir. “The result will be a modern approach to border management which maintains high levels of security, while also enabling the efficient processing of goods to facilitate trade.” The Safwan Land Port is among several high profile infrastructure projects being undertaken by K&A on behalf of Basra Governorate. This includes critical water projects which will significantly improve the resilience of the water system, including access to safe drinking water throughout the region. K&A has maintained an active presence in Iraq for almost 15 years. CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | MAY 2021 | 49