By Samia Khalid ISLAMABAD, May 23 (INP-WealthPK): Multiple mega projects in Gwadar under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are nearing completion by the end of this year, which would benefit the local population. CPEC Authority official Adnan Khan said while talking to WealthPK that the projects close to completion include Gwadar Eastbay Expressway, Pakistan-China Friendship Hospital, water projects for Gwadar city, a project linking Gwadar to the national electricity grid, University of Gwadar, Gwadar Safe City project and some other projects related to socio-economic development. “The most important mega connectivity and road infrastructure project is the Gwadar Eastbay Expressway worth $179 million. The Eastbay Expressway, which is being built as part of CPEC, will connect the port and its free zone to the network of National Highways, allowing for seamless logistic movement of import, export, and transit commodities,” he said. “The dedicated Eastbay Expressway will bypass the port city of Gwadar, reducing traffic congestion. It will also make the port more efficient and less disruptive to the local population,” he said. The CPEC official said the Eastbay Expressway, upon its completion, would provide employment opportunities to the people of different areas, especially in the transport sector. Moreover, he said, the upgradation and development of fishing, boat-making, and maintenance services will protect and promote the livelihoods of the local population. “The Balochistan provincial government has also started a number of initiatives in Gwadar, particularly on the coastal areas, as part of CPEC, to provide clean water and distribute it fairly,” Adnan Khan said. Moreover, he said, several projects, including the implementation of Gwadar Master Plan’s water supply, distribution system, desalination plant, sewage collecting system, and treatment plant, were moving forward at full speed. Distribution of water to Gwadar city from adjacent dams to meet the area’s water demands was another key undertaking. “There are high expectations for CPEC as it will help close the economic gaps and promote trade and business. The great majority of economists and planners feel that CPEC is successful and beneficial for Pakistan in general and Balochistan province in particular,” Adnan Khan said. The CPEC is expected to be completed in three stages around 2030. The short-term (2015-2020), middle-term (2021-2025), and long-term (2026–2030) are the three stages. The first step was the construction of critical highways, trains, logistics, ports, and storage capacity. The rules, regulations, legislation, and standardization policies are the emphasis of the second stage. Now, Pakistan is utilising all its energies to timely complete the second phase of CPEC and moving towards the third stage.