MPA Hidayat-ur-Rehman meets GDA chief to discuss Gwadar projects

GWADAR: MPA Gwadar Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman met Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) Director General Moinur Rehman Khan in his office. The meeting discussed in detail various development projects in Gwadar, civic issues and matters related to public facilities.

GDA Chief Engineer Haji Syed Muhammad, Tehsil Municipal Committee Chairman Majid Johar and other officials concerned were also present.

Old Town restoration and road construction

The meeting reviewed the pace of work under the GDA’s Old Town restoration project. This includes ongoing construction, expansion, beautification and restoration work in Shahi Bazaar and Jannat Bazaar, as well as work in the PTCL street.

Chief Engineer Haji Syed Muhammad said the main cause of delay in Jannat Bazaar and Shahi Bazaar was the shifting of utilities. He said construction was being affected in particular by delays by QESCO in moving electricity poles, wires and transformers to alternative sites. He said steps were under way in this regard.

It was agreed that other groundwork, including tuff tiling, would begin as soon as the utilities were shifted, so that the project could be completed quickly.

The delay in building the road from Syed Hashmi Road to Demi Zar Road, via PTCL, was also raised. It was said that the GDA had already handed the required amount to the district administration to pay compensation to those affected. However, work on the project was delayed because the compensation had still not been paid.

The MPA Gwadar assured the meeting that he would take up the matter with the district administration, so that compensation could be paid to those affected and construction completed.

Proposals and civic issues

On the proposal of Tehsil Municipal Committee Chairman Majid Johar, proposals were also presented for a new project to install 100,000 square feet of tuff tiles in the Old Town, build a septic tank with a capacity of 50,000 gallons and lay water distribution lines in more streets. The Director General of the GDA assured the meeting that he would consider them.

The meeting also discussed the free movement of stray cattle in the city, the filth they spread, the damage to the urban environment, and the harm done by grazing to valuable trees and plants planted by the GDA. It was agreed to take effective steps to stop this and to act against those responsible.

The issue of water defaulters and non-payment of dues was also considered. The meeting discussed starting an awareness campaign among citizens with the help of public representatives, encouraging them to pay water bills on time, and making joint efforts to recover arrears.

The meeting also discussed the new sewerage project being carried out by the GDA in the Old Town. The Old Town restoration team was urged to monitor the project continuously, ensure the quality of construction and take the steps needed to improve the pace of work.