ISLAMABAD - To address the water shortage at Gwadar the federal government has approved funds for connecting Shadi-Kaur Dam with the Gwadar pipeline and also directed the concerned quarters to complete work on 1.2 MGD desalination plant within 6 to 9 months.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar chaired a progress review meeting on the South Balochistan Development Plan (SBDP) here on Thursday. Secretary Planning Hameed Yaqoob Sheikh, focal person South Balochistan Development Package, and senior officials attended the meeting. 

While reviewing progress of new projects to be funded through federal PSDP, the Planning Minister observed that 90% of the projects have been approved and included in federal PSDP 2021-22 worth Rs234.315 billion out of which Rs25.721 billion have been allocated in current fiscal. 

About the progress on priority SBDP projects, Asad Umar was informed that NHA has commenced procurement for 3 projects i.e construction of Hoshab–Awaran–Khuzdar Section of M-8 (Awaran–Naal 168km) Rs32 billion, Hoshab-Awaran Section of M-8 (146km) Rs38 billion and rehabilitation & upgradation of Awaran-Jhaljao Road (54.8km) Rs6.9 billion. It was further informed that seven road sector projects amounting Rs24.39 billion and seven water dams’ projects amounting Rs48.68 billion have been approved/included in PSDP 2021-22 and their award process is being expedited. In order to address water shortages especially at Gwadar, funds have been approved for connecting the Shadi-Kaur Dam with the Gwadar pipeline. 

Asad Umar chairs progress review meeting on South Balochistan Development Plan

Additionally, CDWP has accorded approval for the installation of a 1.2 MGD desalination plant at Gwadar Port through a Chinese grant. The minister directed completion of desalination plant within 6 to 9 months to ease out populace of Gwadar.

While reviewing the progress of 15 projects to be funded through the non-PSDP model worth Rs20.376 billion, the minister observed that 78% of the projects have been approved while projects amounting to approximately Rs10.188 billion are in various stages of implementation in current FY. In order to improve digital connectivity in Gwadar, Chaghi, Noukeshi, Kech; contracts worth Rs3200 million have been awarded. 

The minister was further informed that contract for High-Speed Broadband Connectivity along M-8 and National Highways is likely to be awarded by the 3rd quarter of 2021. The minister said that Tele & Data coverage will increase the livelihood opportunities to more than 0.5 million people of Southern Balochistan.