Inauguration of Desalination plant and Pak-China hospital is a major milestone in improving the living conditions of the local people in Gwadar. It is a significant move forward towards Gwadar’s progress and strengthening of Pakistan and China relations. The Desalination plant in Gwadar and Pak-China Friendship Hospital are financially supported projects by the Chinese government. These were inaugurated by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, Baluchistan’s caretaker Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki, and the Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong  Addressing the ceremony, they termed both projects a major milestone and a significant step in the development of Gwadar.

The projects signify the deepening ties and the strategic importance of CPEC for both nations. With a budget of USD12.7 million, the Desalination plant carries a capacity of 1.2 million gallons of water. The project implementation started in 2021 and completed successfully on November 7, 2023. After years of neglect, Gwadar's water crisis is finally getting relief through the Water Supply Project. The development of a desalination plant will provide clean water to thousands of homes in the region. Under the visionary development of Gwadar Port, the desalination plant addresses water supply issues and creates employment opportunities within Baluchistan, a crucial step for the region's prosperity. The 1.2 MGD Sea Water Desalination Plant at Gwadar Port is a game-changer. 

The positive impact is not only on water availability but also the socio-economic landscape, breaking the chains of bad governance.  The water desalination plant has been done in collaboration with Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), National Engineering Services Pakistan, and China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC).  Whereas, the Pak China Friendship Hospital Gwadar with a budget of USD 100 million has a capacity of 300 beds. The civil work was started in November 2020 while the project was completed in October 2023. Pak-China Friendship Hospital in Gwadar will provide free and high-quality treatment for residents. It has offered employment opportunities regarding gynecology, pediatrics & neonatal medicine, and family medicine to the coastal community as well.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China