Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday issued strict directives, stating that no delay will be tolerated in the ongoing rehabilitation and modernization project of Sukkur Barrage, which he termed crucial for the province’s water security and agricultural economy.
During a meeting to review the project’s progress at the Chief Minister’s House, Shah emphasized the need to complete all third-year works of this vital infrastructure project within the stipulated time.
The high-level meeting was attended by Provincial Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Secretary Irrigation Zarif Khero, and other relevant officials, who gave a detailed briefing on the project’s status.
The Chief Minister described the Sukkur Barrage, built in 1932, as the “backbone of Sindh’s irrigation and agricultural system.” He said its modernization is a “guarantee of hope and prosperity for the farmers of Sindh” and is necessary to preserve this historical asset for future generations.
Officials informed the meeting that the project, now in its third year, has achieved over 96 percent progress. The project includes the large-scale replacement of the barrage’s gates, as well as significant civil and mechanical upgrades.
It was reported that 25 out of 27 new gates are ready. The process of cutting and removing the old gates and their hoisting systems has been completed. Additionally, painting and sandblasting work to protect 19 gates from rust has also been completed.
The briefing stated that the rehabilitation work on the Left Bank Canals is 100 percent complete, while work on the Nara Canal is ongoing. The Chief Minister directed the Irrigation Department to expedite the work on the Nara Canal.
On the Right Bank, dredging work has been completed, while dredging in the approach channel is in progress. In Zone One of the worksite, dewatering, desilting, and GPR surveys have been completed, while in Zones Two and Three, most of the sheet piling and backfilling work has been finished.
Chief Minister Shah emphasized that complete accuracy in the installation of the new gates is essential to ensure smooth water flow and guarantee the long-term safety of the century-old structure, which is still one of the largest irrigation systems in the world.
He also directed the immediate completion of the remaining works of the project’s first phase.
Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed his resolve, “The quality and timely completion of the project will secure the future of millions of farmers.”