July 30, 2008	Wednesday	Rajab 26, 1429

DADU, July 29: Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Saifullah Dharejo has urged the Irsa to release complete share of water to Sindh from dams to end water shortage.

He said that during every monsoon and rainy season, dams were getting water share for Sindh hence now it should be released to the province.

At a press conference at RBOD rest house here on Tuesday,

Jam Dharejo said that Indus had been experiencing an unprecedented water shortage for the last ten years. He said that due to such a situation in the province, he himself was conducting raids at waterways for the last couple of days.

He said that in a bid to ensure fair distribution of water, six senior irrigation officers were suspended. He said that his priority was to provide complete share of water to tail-end growers.

About transfer of administrative control of Ghotki feeder canal Area Water Board from SIDA to irrigation department, he said that he had received numerous complaints against MD of SIDA as he was not doing well. He said that he had only transferred administrative control but its was still Ghotki feeder canal Area Water Board, which is a component of SIDA.

Referring to funds’ stoppage by the World Bank on transfer of administrative control of Ghotki feeder canal Area Water Board from SIDA to irrigation department, he said that his department was in contact with the World Bank and funds would be released soon. He said the MD was a non-technical person who would be replaced with the Chief Engineer of Irrigation.

He directed Chief Engineer of Sukkur Barrage at Left Side Agha Aijaz that water was improved at some places but after seven days he would visit tail-end of Rice and Dadu canals and Johi and water should be ensured to tail-end growers.

He said water theft was being checked and all lift machines were removed from canals. He said that cases would be registered against water thieves.

GOVERNOR VISIT: Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad arrived at Sehwan on Tuesday morning . He visited shrine of Qalandar Lal Shahbaz, offered fateha and laid floral wreath. He also inspected the ongoing construction work of Mazar project and directed Auqaf department officials to complete it within the stipulated period.