GDA projects in Gwadar reviewed; girls’ high school and Young John futsal ground to open next month

GWADAR: A meeting to review the progress of development projects in Gwadar, the quality of construction, obstacles and timely completion was held under the joint chairmanship of MPA Gwadar Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman and Gwadar Development Authority Director General Moeen-ur-Rehman Khan.

GDA Chief Engineer Haji Syed Muhammad, Superintending Engineer (Roads) Nadir Baloch, Superintending Engineer (Buildings) Shay Asif Ghani, Project Director (Water) Mir Jan Baloch, Old Town Restoration Project Director Mir Dada Khan Marri and other engineers and officials attended. District Health Officer Gwadar Dr Yasir also took part by special invitation.

Old Town restoration project in final stages

The meeting was told that work on the construction, expansion, restoration and beautification of educational institutions, sports grounds, markets, streets and roads in Gwadar city under the Old Town restoration project has almost reached its final stages. It was agreed to formally open the Government Girls High School Gwadar and the Young John futsal ground next month.

The meeting was told that work is being slowed by public obstruction at some places: the drainage line in the Government Boys High School compound, the installation of a gate at the Sorgdul ground, and parts of Jannat Bazaar and Shahi Bazaar. It was decided that all obstacles would be removed at once and the projects completed on time on a priority basis. It was also agreed to complete the remaining development work at the Gwadar graveyard immediately.

The construction and repair of four Basic Health Units (BHUs) in Gwadar were also reviewed. The DHO Gwadar said work is also under way in some BHUs under other bodies. It was decided that the GDA and the Health Department would review each centre in consultation. Where no work is being done or more is needed, the GDA will fulfil its responsibility. The final decision will be taken in consultation with the Health Department.

The construction, expansion and restoration of the Sorbandar fishing jetty and the Pishukan fishing jetty were also discussed. The Chief Engineer said work is progressing but more funds are needed to complete it. It was agreed to ensure the opening of the mole at Sorbandar jetty within a few days.

Federal minister contacted for funds

Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman stressed speeding up the restoration of the fishing jetties and development work, especially in Jannat Bazaar and Shahi Bazaar. He said GDA projects are making satisfactory progress overall despite difficulties. He said obstacles in projects should be removed at once in consultation with the public, and that unjustified obstruction of projects in the public interest would not be tolerated.

He said that during his recent visit to Islamabad he stressed the need for funds for Gwadar’s projects in a meeting with Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal. The federal minister assured him that funds would be provided on a priority basis. The matter will also be taken up with the provincial government.

GDA Director General Moeen-ur-Rehman Khan said the development of Gwadar is a great cause and the GDA is taking practical steps under a comprehensive strategy. He said transparency, construction quality, effective use of resources and timely completion are the main priorities in all projects. Through constant monitoring of projects and quality checks, the chances of public complaints are being reduced to a minimum.

Photo: courtesy DGPR Balochistan