WITHOUT disputing the potential of the newly-built Gwadar port in terms of contribution to our economic uplift, I'm taking this opportunity to share an overview of the ground realities.

The infrastructure development in Gwadar has not been as widespread and as beneficial to the local community on a long-term basis as it was promised.

Moreover, the government's directive for unloading of wheat and urea cargo since 2008 at the Gawadar port, with the intention of ensuring activity at the port is proving to be wasteful as opposed to beneficial for the economy. It is not the duty of the government of Pakistan to market the port but the duty of the concession holders Singapore Port Authority.

The cargo unloaded at the Gawadar port is then transported on trucks to Karachi from where it goes further upcountry. The bare cost of transporting each ton of cargo only to Karachi falls to an average of Rs2,500.

On an average, each ship carries around 50,000 tonnes of cargo, and the cost for transporting the same to Karachi (at the rate of Rs 2,500 per ton) will be Rs125,000,000. This is the sheer amount of money being wasted (not to mention the amount of fuel) due to this indiscriminate condition of the government to forcefully run the port.

The same amount that is being currently pocketed by the truckers can instead be used to feed 125,000 flood-hit people.

Therefore, sending more ships carrying government cargos to Gwadar should be stopped immediately and the extra funds that are saved should be diverted to look after the IDPs.

A wise way to deal with the Gawadar port could be significantly developing the area by supporting businesses to be established in the region and developing road links which have been planned, and then redirecting relevant cargo ships to this port.

Nevertheless, much to the chagrin of the local population the development in what was to be 'the city of gold' still holds no promise for them and has instead become a white elephant for our economy.

MEHREEN RAFI
Karachi