The Balochistan government has handed the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) full responsibility for water supply and distribution in Gwadar city, according to an official notification. The decision, approved by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, covers all water operations within the Gwadar Master Plan area, according to Gwadar Pro. The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) will now focus solely on rural areas, including Pishukan, Ganz, and Ormara. Officials hailed the move as a “historic and transformative step” for the port city.

“Water is a basic necessity, and GDA will take all possible measures to ensure an uninterrupted supply of clean drinking water to the citizens of Gwadar,” said GDA Director General Moeen-ur-Rehman Khan. “This responsibility is both an honor and a major test, especially as most water reservoirs have dried up after nearly 18 months without rainfall. With vision, teamwork, and the support of the Balochistan government, we will strive to meet this challenge.”

The handover follows a series of meetings chaired by CM Bugti to address Gwadar’s water crisis. He noted that while the city has reserves sufficient for about seven months, electricity outages have hampered pumping and distribution. Bugti also ordered the acceleration of key projects, including boosting the Gwadar Port Authority’s desalination plant capacity to 600,000 gallons per day and expediting pipeline works. He emphasized the need for sustainable, long-term solutions and stronger coordination between provincial and federal agencies.

Khan added that although notifications and field orders have been issued, the complete transfer of authority from PHED to GDA will be gradual. “This decision is crucial for Gwadar’s future,” he said. “As the city grows into a smart port and international hub, water demand will multiply. Planning a sustainable strategy today is unavoidable. For GDA, this responsibility is not only a challenge but also a national mission.”

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