BEIJING: In order to initiate the implementation of micro-planning under the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan 2026, eleven key points were identified in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Director General Gwadar Development Authority (GDA), Moin-ur-Rehman Khan on April 22.
The meeting was attended by Chief Engineer GDA Haji Syed Muhammad, Director Town Planning Shahid Ali, Deputy Director Town Planning Abdul Razzaq, and other officials. On this occasion, Director Town Planning Shahid Ali gave a comprehensive briefing on various aspects of micro-planning.
The briefing highlighted that the objective of micro-planning is to translate the vision of the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan into practical implementation.
Eleven points include phased planning for infrastructure development across different sectors of the city, improved water supply, uninterrupted electricity provision, residential and commercial zoning, environmental protection, and a modern transport system.
During the meeting, rest of options for implementing micro-planning were reviewed, including land pooling, land acquisition, utilization of land under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models, and land provider frameworks. The use of modern technology such as GIS, phased development, and inclusion of the local population was also identified as key strategic components.
Director General GDA Moin-ur-Rehman Khan stated that the private sector would be strongly encouraged to participate in Gwadar’s development, and investors would be provided with a conducive environment. He noted that in the context of current global and regional dynamics, Gwadar’s importance has further increased, offering vast investment opportunities in real estate and other sectors.
Earlier, the Director General GDA also chaired a separate meeting regarding water supply in Gwadar. The meeting was attended by Chief Engineer GDA Haji Syed Muhammad, Project Director Water Mir Jan Baloch, Secretary Water Committee Babar Nasir, and Assistant Engineer Kambar Baloch. A detailed briefing was given on the current water situation in the city.
It was informed that currently more than 3 to 3.5 million gallons of water are being supplied daily from the Sawad Dam, while the Shadi Kaur Dam has been temporarily shut down due to lack of electricity and rising fuel costs, though it is being kept on standby for emergencies.
It was further shared that the GPA Water Desalination Plant, which had been temporarily closed last week, is now operational again, and water supply in the city has returned to normal.
The meeting was also informed that monthly bills have been issued to consumers, and measures are being taken to ensure their collection.
On this occasion, the Director General directed that in areas where electricity is unavailable and pumping stations are operating on fuel, fuel usage should be minimized, keeping in view rising costs. However, it must be ensured that water supply to the city is not disrupted under any circumstances. –Agencies
