In a significant advancement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed to supply power to Gwadar’s 1.2 million gallons per day (MGD) desalination plant. The agreement, formalized at Naval Headquarters on May 1, includes stakeholders such as the Gwadar Port Authority (GPA), Pakistan Navy, China Overseas Ports Holding Company, and Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO).
Under the terms of the MoU, QESCO will provide 1.5 megawatts of electricity to the desalination plant through an exclusive power line operated by the Pakistan Navy.
A GPA representative stated that the desalination facility was funded through a Rs 2 billion grant from China, and was developed jointly by GPA, NESPAK (National Engineering Services Pakistan), and China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC).
He added that with the successful completion of all civil, mechanical, and electrical works, the central control system of the desalination plant is now fully functional.
In response to questions, the official confirmed that all machinery and systems have been installed to ensure the plant operates at its intended capacity. A one-kilometer pipeline has also been laid to connect the plant to Gwadar’s primary water distribution network.
The 1.2 MGD plant, covering nearly one acre, demonstrates China’s deep concern for the residents of Gwadar, who have long struggled with a shortage of clean drinking water.
Besides the water drawn from local reservoirs, this new facility will serve as an essential supplementary source of potable water for both the residents of Gwadar and the operations of Gwadar Port.
Initially, a 0.5 MGD desalination unit was considered based on a feasibility study by the Pakistani and Chinese governments. However, following a reassessment of the city’s growing water requirements, the larger 1.2 MGD project was officially approved on July 5, 2021.
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