| Gwadar: The Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan (2019-2025) has gained significant momentum, ushering in a wave of high-quality development activities across 13 key areas, according to news published in the leading newspaper on November 21.
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As per the details, the master plan aims to transform the old fishing town into a modern city through a range of projects. These development activities encompass the evolution of the central business district, rejuvenation of old towns, road remodelling, park establishment, green growth promotion, creation of ecological corridors, identification of tourism spots, digitalization, and the development of a skill-based economy. The goal is to establish a foundation for social and civic amenities, pave the way for new business opportunities, and provide state-of-the-art healthcare and educational facilities.
Several completed projects under the Master Plan contribute to the transformation of Gwadar. Water supply projects, including the completion of dams like Shadi Kaur and Sowd, connected to the city through pipelines, have been executed. Additionally, a sewage water treatment plant has been established to repurpose sewage water for irrigation, preventing pollution of the coastline.
The Gwadar Indus Hospital, also known as the Pak-China Friendship Hospital, a USD 30.5 million project, has been completed and is set to provide top-notch medical facilities to the people of Gwadar.
The Gwadar Port has embraced digitalization with the operationalization of a fiber optic cable network, facilitating paperless custom procedures for easier trans-shipment and containerized trade. The Balochistan government has approved a ‘Central Business District’ covering 2,500 acres in the port city under the Gwadar Master Plan. Additionally, Gwadar district has been granted tax-free zone status to boost economic activities, and a 280km road network has been constructed.
A significant project, the Gwadar Port Breakwater, has been greenlighted to expand Port Gwadar, aiming to provide marine protection, reduce coastal erosion, and enhance overall safety for berthing.
Various green projects have transformed Gwadar into a lush and environmentally conscious city. Notable additions include parks, green spaces, and an emphasis on urban greenery along city arteries and roads.
The Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute (PCT & VI) has become operational, offering advanced skill-based knowledge to the youth of Gwadar.
The proposed Tourism Strategy includes plans for a ‘Ferry Service’ connecting Gwadar to Iran, introducing tourists to the beauty and sounds of Gwadar. Festival Tourism and Cultural Tourism are also anticipated to be part of Gwadar’s tourism strategy.
The Gwadar Safe City Project (Phase I), with an estimated cost of PKR 3,325.6 million, is underway, focusing on the installation of optical fiber cables and multipurpose cameras to enhance security.
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Furthermore, the Gwadar Old City Master Plan is in progress, promising progress, and prosperity for the local community through the conservation of historical places, rehabilitation of city infrastructure, and skill education initiatives. |
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