Islamabad: The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has proposed the inclusion of three mega projects in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the fiscal year (FY) 2020-21, a news source reported. These schemes pertain to the construction of an auction hall at Eastbay, a boat repair yard and a breakwater project in Gwadar.
The proposed projects are estimated to cost PKR 1,087,914 million. The breakwater project at Eastbay aims to facilitate the fishermen displaced from the current fish harbour due to port operations and construction of Eastbay Expressway, while the auction hall will assist the trading process.
According to reports, the breakwater project is of paramount importance as it will protect the fishing industry in Gwadar and provide the much-needed parking space for the boats. To this effect, the local fishermen community has reportedly agreed to the proposal and requested the completion of the project on an urgent basis.
As per the Gwadar Smart City Master Plan 2050, old neighbourhoods of the port city will not be relocated. Instead, the master plan details the restoration of the city’s old status. The Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) is expected to complete the proposed projects in 2021.
