Gwadar (Gwadar Pro): As part of the Gwadar Smart Port City Master Plan 2025, and in response to the continuous growth in business activities and the rising local population, the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) initiated the construction of a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant near the city center on March 20.
With a treatment capacity of 400,000 gallons of sewage and contaminated water, the facility is a vital environmental and infrastructure project. It aims to recycle wastewater for agricultural use, horticulture, parks, fields, and other green spaces in the city.
A GDA official told Gwadar Pro that the wastewater treatment plant will collect sewage from various sources and treat it before releasing it into water bodies. The facility will play a crucial role in removing pollutants and contaminants to protect the environment.
Senior hydrologist Abdul Ghani told Gwadar Pro that untreated sewage can pollute ecosystems if discharged into the environment. “Wastewater treatment is a complex and essential process involving multiple stages, each with specific functions to effectively clean contaminated water. From initial screening of large solids to advanced processes that remove microscopic pollutants, every stage is vital for safeguarding human health and protecting the environment.”
On March 27, GDA’s Director General Saifullah Khetran visited the under-construction wastewater treatment plant to review the ongoing work in detail. During the visit, Chief Engineer Haji Syed Muhammad and Project Director Marjan Baloch gave him a comprehensive briefing on the project’s progress and technical aspects.
Previously, another plant with a capacity of 400,000 gallons had already been installed near Senator Ishaq Cricket Ground. That facility collects wastewater from various city areas via sewer lines and treats it using a modern system.
During his visit, Khetran also reviewed the construction pace and instructed relevant officials to accelerate the project to ensure completion before the deadline. Last year, a sewage treatment plant at the Gwadar Port Complex was inaugurated by then GCCI (Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry) President Shams-ul-Haq Kalmaty and Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Pasand Khan Baloch.
Meanwhile, Balochistan-based environmentalist Muhammad Rahim Baloch emphasized in an interview with Gwadar Pro that instead of relying solely on freshwater sources, reusing treated water is a critical step toward water conservation. When treated water is discharged back into natural water bodies, it enhances water flow, supports plant life, and helps recharge reservoirs as part of the natural water cycle.
He noted that wastewater reuse has long been practiced, especially in arid countries for irrigation. Using treated wastewater as an alternative water source helps reduce water scarcity and relieve pressure on groundwater and other natural reserves. An additional benefit is the nutrient content in wastewater, which can reduce the need for fertilizers.
