To address the critical need for clean water in Gwadar, a state-of-the-art seawater desalination facility, boasting a capacity of 1.2 million gallons per day (MGD), has been successfully completed according to the predetermined timeline. The formal inauguration ceremony is eagerly anticipated and is expected to be presided over by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif following the Eid Holidays.
In an exclusive interview with Gwadar Pro, Dawood Baloch, the project director of the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), proudly announced the successful realization of the water desalination plant. This remarkable achievement was made possible through a generous grant of Rs. 2 billion from China, in a collaborative effort involving the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), National Engineering Services Pakistan, and China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC).
With the comprehensive completion of civil, mechanical, and electrical work, the central unit of the 1.2 MGD desalination plant is now operational, Mr. Baloch confirmed. Impressively, nearly 90% of the workforce has been recruited from the local labor market in Gwadar and Balochistan, underscoring the project's commitment to empowering the local community. In response to inquiries, Mr. Baloch assured that all necessary equipment and apparatus have been meticulously installed to ensure the seamless operation of the desalination plant at its full capacity.
In addition to the construction of the 1.2 MGD desalination plant, a water supply line spanning approximately one kilometer has been laid from the plant site to the main water supply network of Gwadar city. This strategic development will significantly bolster the city's water supply infrastructure. The completion of the 1.2 MGD Water Desalination Plant, encompassing an expansive one-acre land area, stands as a testament to China's unwavering support for the impoverished residents of Gwadar who have long yearned for access to clean water.
Apart from the provisioning of potable water through existing reservoirs, the 1.2 MGD Water Desalination Plant project is poised to emerge as an indispensable source of clean water, effectively meeting the burgeoning water demands of both Gwadar city and the Gwadar port. Initially, a 0.5 MGD Water Desalination Plant project was conceived after a comprehensive feasibility study conducted by the governments of Pakistan and China. However, recognizing the pressing need for water in the region, the government subsequently approved the expanded 1.2 MGD Water Desalination Plant for Gwadar, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving the quality of life for the local populace.