GWADAR: In a concerted effort to tackle the severe water crisis in Gwadar, a high-level meeting was convened on the instructions of Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti. The session brought together key government officials, elected representatives, and community leaders to formulate an immediate and long-term strategy .
The meeting was chaired by Noor-ul-Haq Baloch, the Chairman of the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) and the Chief Minister’s Coordinator for Water and Power. In a significant move, Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch, a prominent local leader known for advocating for the rights of Gwadar’s residents, attended as a special guest . The meeting saw full participation from leaders of various political parties, representatives of civil society, and senior officers from the Public Health Engineering department, Gwadar Development Authority (GDA), the municipal committee, and the district administration.
Chairman Noor-ul-Haq Baloch announced a new formula for water distribution to ensure a transparent and fair supply. For areas where pipeline delivery is not possible, water bowsers (tankers) will be deployed immediately . He stated that the number and capacity of these bowsers would be increased based on area needs. This emergency measure is part of the Balochistan government’s directive to supply water to Gwadar’s city and suburban areas on a war footing .
To enhance accountability, a helpline number will be introduced in collaboration with MC Gwadar and the GDA to address citizen complaints. Furthermore, the responsibility for water supply and monitoring in areas not under GDA management, such as Mondi, has been formally transferred to the Public Health Engineering department.
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The strategy also focuses on long-term solutions. Chairman Baloch directed the GDA to swiftly install new pipeline connections through the Municipal Committee to reduce water wastage. He expressed determination that all institutions would overcome the emergency through mutual cooperation, a sentiment echoed by the district administration, which pledged its full support.
The meeting also finalized the quantity and procedure for distributing water to various neighborhoods, including TTC Colony, New Town, Bakshi Colony, Shambe Ismail, and the Old Town.
