Gwadar Free Zone secures reliable water supply deal

Gwadar Free Zone secures reliable water supply deal making it a significant development for the area.

In a significant development for the Gwadar Free Zone, a fixed-price agreement ensuring an uninterrupted water supply to local and international businesses in the North Free Zone was finalized on November 12.

This tripartite agreement, involving the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), Gwadar Development Authority (GDA), and China Overseas Ports Holding Company (COPHC), which manages Gwadar Port and the Free Zone, sets pricing for water supply from two distinct sources in Gwadar.

Under the terms, water from the first source, a fully operational 1.2 million gallons per day (MGD) seawater desalination plant serving the North Free Zone, is priced at a competitive commercial rate of $3.30 per ton. For this purpose, an 11.3-kilometer water supply pipeline has already been completed.

Then, second source, the GDA’s airport water tank, will provide water to the North Free Zone at $1 per ton. This water tank, which cost Rs 6 million to construct, stores water from the Sawar Dam and Shadi Kor Dam. Furthermore, the GPA has laid a 5.5-kilometer pipeline to connect the tank to the North Free Zone.

Additionally, A representative from the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) stated in a report that the agreement represents a positive step for investors, as reliable water access is essential for business operations. This development is expected to accelerate investment plans in the Gwadar North Free Zone, boosting economic growth in the area.