Under a new development plan, the Surbandar Fishing Jetty breakwater will be extended by 200 meters to protect the jetty and the nearby fishing settlement from sea erosion and to enhance the facility’s operational life, Director General of the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) Moin-ur-Rehman Khan said during an inspection visit, Gwadar Pro reported on Monday.

The proposed extension is aimed at safeguarding key infrastructure from increasing marine hazards and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the fishing jetty, which plays a vital role in the local fisheries-based economy, according to an official statement. During the visit, officials reviewed damage caused by sea erosion to the existing breakwater and the adjoining road and discussed measures to prevent further deterioration. 

The extension project is expected to improve the durability of the jetty and provide additional protection to the fishing town. The GDA chief also inspected ongoing construction, expansion and repair work on the Coastal Highway to Surbandar link road and directed engineers and contractors to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe while maintaining high construction standards.

Khan reviewed repair work on the Surbandar floating jetty and instructed that all materials used must be suitable for harsh marine conditions.  He emphasized the use of durable, long-lasting materials, particularly high-quality wood capable of withstanding seawater and extreme weather. Stressing the need for sustainable operations, the director general directed the project director to develop an effective business model for the Surbandar Fishing Jetty. 

The model, he said, should enable the facility to cover its maintenance, repair and annual operational costs through its own resources. He also ordered strict implementation of the approved schedule of charges. Khan said that the GDA has constructed fishing jetties at Surbandar and Pishukan to promote the fisheries sector. 

He said the facilities have significantly improved boat anchoring, fish loading and unloading, and timely access to markets, contributing to economic activity in the coastal belt. He was also accompanied by GDA Chief Engineer Haji Syed Mohammad, Surbandar Jetty Project Director Haji Mohammad Hanif and contractor Haji Sharif Zamel and others.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China