Fish auction hall, boat repair yard in Gwadar proposed

Scheme consisting of 1.65km breakwater will ensure smooth operations

ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Maritime Affairs has proposed a new project worth Rs1.087.914 million for the construction of breakwater, boat repair yard and auction hall at East Bay (Demizer) Gwadar in next fiscal year 2020-21 under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

According to official documents, the main purpose of the new project is to provide a breakwater at East Bay (Demizer), Gwadar to facilitate the fishermen which are going to be displaced from the existing fish harbor cum mini port for undertaking other development works by the Chinese operator of the port and construction of East Bay Expressway.

Displacement of fishermen community will have a direct impact on the fishing industry of the port city.

According to the ministry, this project will ensure smooth operations for the fishing industry by providing parking space for boats with loading and unloading facilities for equipment.

The project consists of around 1.65 km breakwater for the boat parking of fishermen and an auction hall for the trading purpose.

The ministry said it is an important project for protecting the fish industry of the region, adding that this project will ensure the safe parking area for the boats. The fishermen have agreed on the proposed location and require urgent completion of the work.

The entrance for the fishermen was proposed at 3 locations below the under-construction Gwadar Expressway which was not planned in initial design.

The project would be executed through Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) and is expected to be completed by 2021.

Gwadar holds pivotal importance in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as a hub of connectivity. Through its deep-sea port, Gwadar will benefit not only China and Pakistan but also entire Central Asia by becoming the region’s key entrepot.

The government of Balochistan has unveiled the Gwadar Master Plan 2050, which stipulated that no old neighbourhoods of the port city would be relocated while restoring the historical sports and old status of the city.

Earlier, Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal said the provincial government had finally approved the much-delayed plan, which would provide relief to its residents.

“The final map of the Gwadar master plan has been issued. It wasn’t approved in Islamabad or Quetta, but in Gwadar during the governing body meeting,” the chief minister, who is also the chairman of Gwadar Development Authority’s governing body, wrote in a tweet.

The Gwadar Master Plan has been approved by the provincial government that would be enforceable till 2050, following which the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) would start new development projects in the city.  (With additional input from News desk)

Published in The Express Tribune, February 10^th, 2020.