Rs200m Allocated for Gwadar’s Smart Waste Management Project

A cleaner, greener Gwadar through government-backed smart sanitation

P.c. Business Recorder

Rs200m Allocated for Gwadar’s Smart Waste Management Project


Under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework, the Government of Pakistan has allocated Rs200 million in the initial phase for the Gwadar Smart Environment Sanitation System and Landfill Project. This strategic move underscores the commitment to transforming Gwadar into a cleaner, sustainable urban centre.

The initiative, approved under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and endorsed by the Central Development Working Party, includes the development of PC-1 and a comprehensive feasibility study. According to GDA Director General Saif Ullah Khaithran, the foundation of a smart waste management infrastructure will soon be laid based on modern, environmentally friendly standards.

P.c. Business Recorder

This project is designed to uplift the city’s sanitation with state-of-the-art technologies to efficiently collect, recycle, and dispose of residential and commercial waste. With Gwadar now producing over 20 tons of waste daily—up from just 5 tons in 2010—due to growing urbanisation and commercial activity, modern systems are critical.

Currently, most waste ends up in unregulated and open dumping grounds, posing significant environmental and health risks. Although much of the waste is recyclable or inert, hazardous components pose serious threats to public health.

To address this, the new system will incorporate mechanical and manual cleaning through sprinkle and sweeper trucks. Garbage containers will be sealed and strategically placed throughout the city, with door-to-door collection by trained personnel to ensure hygiene and efficiency.

Biodegradable waste, which is especially problematic due to its rapid decomposition and odour, will be treated through anaerobic fermentation in enclosed chambers. This process will yield biogas, offering a clean energy source, as well as compost for agricultural use—while potentially earning carbon credits.

Currently, Pakistan collects only about 50% of its total waste. By enhancing collection and recycling efforts, Gwadar’s new system aims to conserve resources, reduce pollution, and set a benchmark for smart environmental management in urban Pakistan.