Visit/On-site Briefing at Gwadar
Visit/On-site Briefing at Gwadar
Parliamentary Committee on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), under the Chairmanship of Mr. Sher Ali Arbab, MNA paid on-site visit to the projects at Gwadar on 21st March, 2021. The Committee was given detailed on site briefing regarding various on-going projects at Gwadar under CPEC framework.
The Committee heard the issues of local people, analyzed ground realities and gave assurances to local people for resolving all of their outstanding issues as early as possible. Locals were of the view that Gwadar used to be a fishing village and fishing had been potential source of income for fishermen community. However, they are facing the issue of scarcity of boats and resources to meet both ends. There should be standard educational facilities for their children. It was informed that people of Gwadar specially residents of Kolachi Mohalla and old city residents have been facing many issues due to construction of East-Bay Expressway and Gwadar Port Free Zone. CPEC Development at Gwadar had greatly affected their lives as well as culture. Moreover, their houses had got cracks due to use of heavy machinery for the construction of East-Bay Expressway.
They also afforded relocations due to land acquisition by GDA for the construction of Gwadar Port Free Zone. Locals have been demanding compensation for land acquisition and damages caused to their houses for long but they have not been provided any substantial compensation till yet. Chairman, GPA assured the Committee that affectees would be paid compensation for the cracks in their houses and land acquisitions within two months and three months respectively.
It was further informed by the local people that they used to travel easily in the past but due to construction of East-Bay Expressway, it had now become extremely difficult for them to travel towards sea and their movement for city was hindered. A link-road should be constructed along East-Bay Expressway so that residents of old city could move for the city and sustain their livelihood activities. Sewerage lines have been dismantled. Pools of dirty water have become health hazard. Chairman, Gwadar Development authority informed that Sewerage line was in tendering process. The Committee recommended to the concerned stakeholders to undertake anti-mosquitoes spray in the affected areas and ensure proper draining of dirty water at the earliest. The Committee directed Chairman, GDA to submit proposal for the construction of sewerage lines and all other important stakeholders including GPA and district administration to resolve all issues faced by fishermen and local community at the earliest.
During the visit to Gwadar, Parliamentary Committee was also given comprehensive Briefing by COS on overall security measures taken for CPEC at newly raised Headquarters 44 Special Security Division. Committee was apprised about overall improved security situation in District Gwadar and Lasbela. Since the arrival of Special Security Division, enabling environment has been provided for the business to blossom at Port City and to attract large number of tourists to the coastal areas of Balochistan. It was informed that borders are being fenced to prevent illicit infiltrations and eliminate the possibility of terrorist incidents. Rangers is also deployed in provinces for overseeing security of CPEC projects but still there is a greater need to enhance their capacity building, incentives and funding to fully equip Rangers with all requirements and ensure maximux security of CPEC projects. The Committee appreciated the efforts of Special Security Division being lead security agency for CPEC and agreed with the recommendation of immediate Capacity enhancement of other Law Enforcement Agencies especially the Police Force in Balochistan's Coastal Belt.
