Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Saturday announced that construction work has begun on an environmentally efficient floating jetty at the Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority (KoFHA) at a cost of Rs 120 million to facilitate the offloading of export-quality fish catches.
The minister was chairing a meeting of the KoFHA board, attended by its Director General Dr Shahid Aslam, Chairman Abrar Asim and other members.
He said the project as a significant step towards improving facilities for small-scale fisherfolk, adding that the jetty was expected to be completed by June 2026.
Junaid Chaudhry said the initiative would ensure safer and more reliable access to the water, while facilitating the smooth landing and unloading of fish catch.
He said the project aimed to boost operational efficiency and create new economic opportunities for coastal communities. Highlighting key features, the minister said that unlike fixed structures, the floating jetty would adjust to tidal variations, reducing dependence on water levels and ensuring uninterrupted access for fishing vessels.
This, the minister said would enable fishermen to handle their catch more efficiently regardless of tidal conditions. Junaid Chaudhry said improved accessibility would shorten turnaround times between fishing trips, allowing fishermen to spend more time at sea while lowering operational costs. The floating jetty, he added, was particularly suitable for shallow-water areas where conventional fixed structures were not feasible.
The minister said the facility would include a dedicated offloading point integrated with catch monitoring systems to promote sustainable fishing practices and improve resource management, operations in shallow-water areas and enhance efficiency in the fisheries sector.
Referring to financial aspects, Junaid Chaudhry termed floating jetties a cost-effective solution for areas with significant tidal fluctuations, noting that such infrastructure could be developed at relatively lower cost compared to fixed alternatives. He emphasised that environmental considerations would remain a priority, adding that the design and construction would take into account potential impacts on the surrounding marine ecosystem.
Junaid Chaudhry expressed confidence that the project would strengthen the fisheries sector and contribute to the socio-economic uplift of coastal communities.