CDA to begin tourism projects in Gwadar

QUETTA: The Coastal Development Authority (CDA) of Balochistan with the special support of Chief Minister Jam Kamal announced to start seven tourism development projects in Lasbela and Gawadar.

The CDA officials on Friday briefed the provincial chief executive in a meeting to review progress on development schemes being commenced along the provincial coastal belt.

“Resorts, hotels, jetties and water sports facilities would be provided to tourists in Jiwani, Gawadar, Pasni, Oarmaro, Kund Malir, Damb and Gidani coastal areas,” the offcials informed. “Hence, CDA has submitted PC1 of rupees 1075 million in P&D department.”

On the other hand, the Balochistan government announced to launch a tree plantation campaign in provincial coastal areas to clinch the attention of national and international tourists.

The meeting held in this regard agreed to utilise Public Private Partnership in order to install wind and solar energy projects in tourists’ spots being established in provincial coastal areas deciding to advertise the energy projects after Eid ul Fitar.

“Restaurants facilities would be established for tourists in the coastal areas while Beach Park would be established with a cost of 250 million rupees,” CDA official added.

CM Kamal also directed master planning for development projects in coastal areas, adding that the CDA would be given ownership of the land being procured for tourism development schemes.

“In order to yield Balochistan out from Covid-19 economic challenges, we must develop our natural resources which would help us in appeasing the virus impact,” the CM said, adding that foreign traveling will decline in the wake of coronavirus till next year.

He directed BCDA to sign equity based projects with national and international firms over land ownership in the aforementioned tourism project.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 23^rd, 2020.