QUETTA, Oct 30 (APP): Under the development vision of Balochistan government and overseen by the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA), significant initiatives have been undertaken over the past two decades to advance the construction, development, modern urban planning, and provision of essential amenities in Gwadar.
According to official source, these projects encompass the construction and rehabilitation of roads, water supply systems, sewerage and drainage networks, sports grounds, parks, government buildings, coastal protection infrastructure, fisheries facilities, the restoration of historical heritage, tree plantation drives, and the installation of street lighting.
The development vision included the construction and growth of approximately 253 kilometers of roads, the construction and rehabilitation of 23 kilometers of roads and streets, the laying of 300 kilometers of water distribution lines, and the installation of 150 kilometers of main water transmission lines.
The official mentioned that the infrastructure also features four large underground water storage tanks with a reported total capacity of 10 million gallons along with eight smaller water tanks and 12 water pumping stations of varying sizes.
Furthermore, to address urban sanitation and drainage, the initiatives include approximately 30 kilometers of sewerage lines, 23 kilometers of drainage lines, and projects for sewerage treatment plants.
Sports and recreational facilities include a cricket stadium, two football stadiums, two football grounds, a sports complex, two futsal grounds, a volleyball court, and three large parks.
Besides, measures have been taken to preserve the historical and cultural identity of Gwadar city, including the rehabilitation of the ‘Old Town’ and the conservation of historical landmarks such as the Omani Fort and the Portuguese Watchtower. Coastal protection initiatives—such as the construction of breakwaters and protective embankments at Demi Zar and Padi Zar along with the development of fish landing jetties at Pishukan and Sarbandar, also form part of the authority’s activities.
The source said that projects undertaken by the provincial government to enhance public amenities include the GDA office complex, a GDA hospital, a GDA school, the Gwadar Institute of Technology, a basic health unit, the upgrading of schools, the rehabilitation of marketplaces, the construction of boundary walls for graveyards, and the development and beautification of highways, public squares, and monuments.
Additionally, efforts have been made regarding tree plantation, the development of green spaces, and the installation of street and solar lighting along Marine Drive, Ustad Abdul Majeed Gwadari Road, and Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi Avenue. These development initiatives by the provincial government reflect ongoing efforts to improve the city’s basic urban infrastructure, expand public facilities, and shape a modern coastal city.
Under the development vision of the provincial government of Balochistan, the effective completion, maintenance, and further expansion of these projects can play a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainable development of Gwadar, fostering economic activity, and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
