Gwadar projects: Govt gives timelines to public deptts

NAVEED BUTT

ISLAMABAD: The government has given timelines to public departments and private companies on Wednesday to complete the development projects of Gwadar Port under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

According to the documents available with Business Recorder, Ministry of Planning and Development held a meeting with various stakeholders in this month and discussed development projects of Gwadar.

The Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms has asked Ministry of Water and Power to hold a joint meeting of all stakeholders within 15 days on single point agenda of 300MW power plant to resolve all issues related to this project. It was also decided that the procedural delays/gaps must be abridged and the issue be resolved on immediate basis for evacuation of power supply among CPPA, NTDC, PPIB and other stakeholders.

It was also decided in the meeting that the EoI would be expedited for new 5 MGD desalination plants and necessary approval from the government of Balochistan to be sought in 1 month for revitalisation of old 2 MGD desalination plants at Karwat.

About Gwadar Smart City Master Plan, it was informed that the Chinese Fourth Harbour Design Institute has been nominated for Gwadar Smart City Plan. It was desired that nominated company would be pursued timely completion of the project and proposal based on the ToR to be prepared on immediate basis for finalisation.

About East-Bay Expressway, it was emphasised that the process would be completed swiftly to ensure early start of work on the project. On the issue of 15 percent provincial tax exemption asked by the Chinese side, it was decided that an anticipatory approval of all tax exemption would be asked.

About Gwadar Expansion Of Multipurpose Terminal, draft port business plan forwarded by the China Overseas Ports Holding Company Ltd (COPHC) may be reviewed and progress on the same would be forwarded to Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms.

About Gwadar Hospital Project, the report on the public private partnership options and recommendations for management/ operation may be forwarded with 15 days by the committee already constituted.