The Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) has approved a new development plan to extend the breakwater at Surbandar Fishing Jetty by 200 meters to protect critical infrastructure and nearby fishing settlements from sea erosion, officials said on Monday.
Director General GDA Moin-ur-Rehman Khan, during an inspection visit to the site, said the proposed extension aims to safeguard the jetty from increasing marine hazards and significantly enhance its operational life. The project is also expected to ensure long-term sustainability of the fishing facility, which plays a crucial role in the local fisheries-based economy.
According to an official statement, GDA officials reviewed damage caused by sea erosion to the existing breakwater and the adjoining road during the visit. Discussions were held on immediate and long-term measures to prevent further deterioration and strengthen coastal protection.
The planned extension will improve the durability of the jetty while providing additional protection to the surrounding fishing town, benefiting hundreds of local fishermen who rely on the facility for daily operations.
During the visit, the GDA chief also inspected ongoing construction, expansion and repair work on the Coastal Highway–Surbandar link road. He directed engineers and contractors to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe, stressing adherence to high construction and safety standards.
Khan further reviewed repair work underway on the Surbandar floating jetty and instructed that all materials used must be suitable for harsh marine environments. He emphasized the use of durable, long-lasting materials, particularly high-quality wood capable of withstanding seawater and extreme weather conditions.
Highlighting the importance of sustainable operations, the director general directed the project director to develop a viable business model for the Surbandar Fishing Jetty. He said the model should enable the facility to meet its maintenance, repair and annual operational costs through self-generated resources. He also ordered strict implementation of the approved schedule of charges.
The GDA chief noted that fishing jetties constructed at Surbandar and Pishukan have significantly improved boat anchoring, fish loading and unloading, and timely access to markets, contributing to economic activity along Balochistan’s coastal belt.
The inspection visit was attended by GDA Chief Engineer Haji Syed Mohammad, Surbandar Jetty Project Director Haji Mohammad Hanif, contractor Haji Sharif Zamel, and other officials.
