GPA'S Vision: Water Supply project started for Gwadar Free Zone North
The Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) has initiated a water supply project for Gwadar Free Zone North, covering an expansive area of approximately 2221 acres. As reported by Gwadar Pro on Monday, the projected completion for this endeavor is set for January 2024.
The water supply will be sourced from two different avenues. Firstly, a recently completed 1.2 MGD seawater desalination plant, finalized on June 30 in the Gwadar Port area, will serve as one source. The second source will tap into the water supply line network of the old Airport, boasting a storage capacity of 5.6 million MGD. This network is intricately connected with Shadi Kor Dam and Sawar Dam, with Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) having completed a 158 km pipeline from these dams.
Upon the realization of the water distribution project, key beneficiaries such as Agvon and Hangeng Industries will receive a daily supply of 400 cubic meters of water. Other upcoming industries in Gwadar Free Zone North, including East Sea Group, Acrez Mark, Essatex Industries, Idrees Steel, Bluemoon Industries, and Bari Textile, have already submitted their investment plans.
A GPA official informed Gwadar Pro that, in accordance with the plan devised by the Engineering Department, two local firms have commenced the installation of water distribution networks from the aforementioned sources.
The completion of the 1.2 MGD seawater desalination plant, undertaken with a grant of Rs 2 billion from China in collaboration with Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), National Engineering Services Pakistan, and China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC), marks a significant milestone. The Civil, mechanical, and electrical work, along with the operational readiness of the Central room of the desalination plant, has been achieved.
Notably, nearly 90 percent of the workforce and human resources have been sourced from the local markets of Gwadar and Balochistan, reinforcing the project's commitment to local employment.
Initially, the project was conceived as a 0.5 MGD Water Desalination Plant, with feasibility and surveys conducted by the governments of Pakistan and China. However, recognizing the growing demand for water, the government approved the expansion to a 1.2 MGD Water Desalination Plant for Gwadar on July 5, 2021.