In a significant move towards creating an eco-friendly urban environment, the Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) has launched a phased solarization project for the city’s streetlights. Starting on September 16, the first phase focuses on installing solar-powered lights along Marine Drive, the main road in Gwadar.
Expanding the Initiative
The second phase will extend solar lighting to several other major roads, including Syed Zahoor Hashmi Road, Airport Road, Capt (R) Tariq Zehri Road, Gwadar Port Road, and Baba-e-Bizenjo Football Stadium Road. This expansion is expected to not only reduce incidents of electricity cable theft but also ensure continuous lighting during load-shedding hours, thus enhancing safety and convenience for nighttime commuters.
Previous Efforts and Success
Thanks to prior initiatives led by Chinese companies, several public spaces and streets in Gwadar have already been illuminated using solar energy. A total of 73 solar-powered streetlights have been installed in key areas, such as:
-
18 lights at the East Bay Expressway junction,
-
19 lights at the West Bay fish landing area along Marine Drive,
-
26 lights at the fish harbor jetty, and
-
10 lights at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ).
Local residents are hopeful that the ongoing solarization of Gwadar’s streets will enhance night-time safety and support commercial activities, particularly fishing, by providing better visibility.
Support from China
In addition to these efforts, in 2022, Chinese companies donated 4,000 solar photovoltaic systems and LED lights to local households in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy and China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment. This support further demonstrates China’s commitment to the well-being of Gwadar’s residents.
