Chronic shortages: BHC gives govt 11 days to fix Gwadar water crisis

Court asked to approve power cuts for industries, CNG pumps in province

QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court has given the provincial government 11 days to address the shortage of potable water in the port city of Gwadar while seeking reports from authorities on various issues, including gas load-shedding and transfer of land for a fly-over.

Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel gave the direction after hearing three different cases over the past week.

On a petition regarding shortage of potable water in Gwadar, Commissioner, DC, Collector Gwadar, Balochistan Development Authority and Secretary PHE presented their reports to the court.



Reviewing the reports, Justice Mandokhel expressed his discontent and directed the provincial government to make the desalination plant in Gwadar operational by February 4.

The court also ordered the chief minister to lay pipelines in Swar and Shaadi Kor Dam. He was further directed to have PC-1 of Shanlak, Barikor, Sajji Kor and Saman Kor Dams prepared.

Gas load-shedding for Industries, CNG pumps?

Gas companies in Balochistan have asked the BHC whether they can regulate supplies to industries and CNG pumps in the province in order to boost supply for homes.

As the court heard a petition on gas supply, counsels for the Sui Southern Gas Company and Mari Gas offered to prepare a schedule for gas load-shedding. They explained that new gas meters would help cut theft and boost pressure, but many consumers were resisting the move.

A counsel for Mari Gas said production from the Zarghoon gas field had been increased to 11.40 mmcft while efforts were underway to double it to 25 mmcft.

Justice Mandokhel inquired about Balochistan’s quota of gas and whether it was getting its due share.

Before adjourning the hearing till February 16, he asked Mari Gas to explain why gas production had not been increased from Zarghoon field.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 25^th,  2016.