pk-china-user By Yasir Habib Khan
The Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) has awarded a contract to Gwadar-based firm Zabaad Private Limited for the supply of critical chemicals required for its 1.2-million-gallon-per-day (MGD) desalination plant, ensuring uninterrupted operations of a facility that forms a vital part of the city’s safe drinking water system.
After fulfilling all prerequisites set by GPA, Zabaad Private Limited was formally granted the contract on February 13 in accordance with established timelines and standard operating procedures.
Operational under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the desalination plant has become a crucial source of water for Gwadar, particularly after its full restoration in 2025 helped stabilize supplies during last year’s prolonged dry spell.
The Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) has designated the plant as a permanent component of the city’s daily water distribution network and a key buffer against shortages during periods of low rainfall. Since becoming fully operational last year, the facility has maintained consistent production, with output figures including 915,000 gallons on January 1, 535,000 gallons on January 2, and 1.069 million gallons on December 31.
According to the official CPEC website, the plant was completed and inaugurated on December 4, 2023, following a project implementation agreement signed on July 5, 2021. Built with Chinese support at a cost of $12.7 million, the facility is designed to supply up to 1.2 million gallons of potable water daily to Gwadar city and port, reducing reliance on dam reserves and tanker-based supplies.
A recent GDA water management report described the reverse-osmosis plant as playing a “backbone-like role” in supplying drinking water to Old Gwadar town and strengthening the city’s resilience against recurring climate-related shortages.
In parallel efforts to ensure reliable energy supply for the plant and other essential infrastructure, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on December 4 directed the expedited solarisation of Gwadar’s desalination plant and pumping stations, along with upgrades to the 132 kV grid to enhance stability, aiming to address the port city’s persistent electricity and water challenges.
