In a move aimed at streamlining the supply of water in the coastal city of Gwadar, the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) announced a new administrative framework, dividing the port city into two zones and establishing a dedicated water section within the authority.

The decision was taken under the leadership of GDA Director General Moin-ur-Rehman Khan as part of efforts to ensure more efficient distribution, monitoring and regulation of water resources in the coastal city, according to a Gwadar Pro's report on Thursday.

Under the new arrangement, Gwadar has been divided into North and South zones. The North Zone will cover Old Town areas, while the South Zone will include areas from Shambay Ismail Ward to Dhor Ghatti. An executive engineer, Muhammad Akbar, has been appointed as overall in-charge of water distribution across the city, with separate officers and field staff deployed in both zones.

To strengthen oversight of core infrastructure, including the main transmission line, pumping stations and dams, responsibilities have been assigned to Project Director Water Mirjan Baloch.

He will be assisted by Assistant Engineer Qambar Baloch and engineers Kamran and Sanaullah. The entire system will operate under the supervision of the GDA chief engineer. Officials said a formal water section has now been established within GDA to centralize operations related to water transmission, distribution, quality control and monitoring under a coordinated system.

In addition, GDA has initiated steps to introduce a billing system for new water connections. The registration of consumers is underway, and residents whose records are not yet available have been directed to submit their details. GDA staff will also conduct a ward-level outreach campaign to collect necessary data to facilitate the launch of regular monthly billing.

Water supply management was handed over to GDA last year at the onset of a severe water crisis in Gwadar. Authorities say that after stabilizing the immediate situation through administrative measures, the new zoning and billing reforms aim to establish a sustainable and long-term water management system. The authority has urged the citizens to cooperate with officials to ensure the success of the new framework.

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