Government claims that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will make Gwadar another Dubai or Singapore but so far authorities have failed to provide even safe drinking water to the people of Gwadar. From past few days people of Gwadar were protesting against the shortage of water & failure to provide security to water tankers
The protest turned into a complete shutter strike after a water tanker was attacked though no one was harmed in the protest. Civil Society called for a strike, traders and shop owners also supported the protest and a complete shutter down strike was observed on Saturday.
The current water shortage is linked to the shortage of rain which resulted in drought like situation in the deep port city. Akara Dam was the sole source of water for the residents of Gwadar and adjacent areas but it has dried after no rains. It is also said that Akara dam was built considering the population of 1995 which is insufficient for the current needs of the city.
Currently the only source of water is Mirani Dam which is located on the Dasht River from where tankers provide water to the residents.
A shutter down strike was also observed in June against electricity & water shortage but government failed to end the crisis.