Sindh, Federal government join hands on $3.1B coastal project that was initiated under CPEC in 2021.
The federal and Sindh governments have agreed to jointly develop a $3.1 billion coastal project near Karachi’s Machar Colony. The plan includes land reclamation, four berths, a fishing harbor, and a seafood export processing area.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Federal Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar met at the CM House on Thursday to discuss the Karachi Coastal Comprehensive Development Zone (KCCDZ), which spans 687 acres and is set to be developed in phases.
The KCCDZ project, initiated in 2021 under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is expected to boost employment and drive economic progress in Karachi and surrounding areas.
China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) gave a briefing on the project, which will also feature a business bay, a tech park, a new industrial zone, a cruise terminal, and a desalination facility. The CM assured that existing communities will not be displaced.
A special committee, including Sindh Planning Minister Syed Nasir Shah, Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Commissioner Hasan Naqvi, and maritime ministry officials, will address land disputes between Karachi Port Trust and the Sindh government.
Key officials from both federal and provincial governments attended the meeting, where the Sindh CM reiterated full cooperation with the maritime ministry for timely and efficient execution of the project.
On the environmental front, CM Murad Ali Shah emphasized the need to halt untreated sewage from contaminating Karachi’s coast. He highlighted work on TP-3 with CRBC and outlined plans for a 50,000-gallon-per-day desalination plant.
As part of the Greater Karachi Sewerage Plan, steps are being taken to prevent sewage discharge into the sea through the Lyari and Malir rivers. Existing treatment plants TP-1 and TP-2 will be upgraded, while TP-4, with a 180 MGD capacity, will be constructed in Korangi.
The meeting also discussed a proposed eco-tourism project offering boat rides through Karachi’s mangroves, aimed at promoting both tourism and environmental stewardship.
To address heavy vehicle congestion, a committee comprising the Sindh Advocate General, Karachi Commissioner, and KPT representatives will propose a new site for the city’s truck stand for CM approval.
Both sides underscored their commitment to sustainable coastal development and agreed to continue working together to improve Karachi’s infrastructure and environment.
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