Gwadar, an important part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), continues to face problems with basic infrastructure, such as a lack of clean water and electricity. Although there have been several meetings to review the situation, the city still depends on electricity imported from Iran, as it doesn’t have a steady power supply from Pakistan’s national grid.
One of the biggest challenges is the non-operational desalination plant, which is supposed to provide fresh water by removing salt from seawater. Additionally, important water filtration equipment, which was provided by China to improve water quality, has not been installed yet. These ongoing problems make it hard for Gwadar to function efficiently and reach its potential as a key transshipment hub for goods under the CPEC project.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal has called for urgent action to address these issues. He stressed the need for better coordination among relevant authorities and more efficient use of available resources. Without solving these basic infrastructure problems, Gwadar’s growth and its ability to become a major port city in the region will remain limited.
The lack of reliable access to clean water and electricity affects both the local population and any businesses or industries that might want to set up in Gwadar. It also prevents the city from fully benefiting from its strategic location, which is key to the success of the CPEC project.
The government must take swift steps to ensure that essential services, like power and water, are available to support the city’s development and its role in regional trade. Only then can Gwadar realize its full potential and become a thriving hub for trade and commerce.
