SUKKUR: World Bank’s water resources management specialist Theruni Liyanage has urged the need to complete rehabilitation and modernisation of Sukkur Barrage in its stipulated period of four years, clearly stating that no further extension will be granted.

She was part of the World Bank Implemention Support Mission which reviewed the work progress of the barrage on Thursday, led by WB practice manager Mr Josses Mugabi.

Briefing the mission on the occasion, Sukkur Barrage Chief Engineer Syed Sardar Ali Shah suggested that a trail gate without counter weight should be installed at the weir instead of the pocket before the flood season as “we can observe the operation of the trail gate without counter weight of 80 tonne to reduce the extra load on the barrage”.

Sindh Barrages Improvement Project (SBIP) Deputy Director Abdul Razak Memon said the provision of the trail gate for physical demonstration had already been kept in the scope of the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Sukkur Barrage contract.

Ms Liyanage, who is also co-task team leader of the WB, said that it had been observed that the progress of the work of Sukkur barrage was continued according to the proper schedule.

She advised that there was also need to improve the health, safety environment.

Mr Mugabi said the methodology of the rehabilitation of Sukkur Barrage was organised, but it needed strengthening of the weaknesses.

He said that according to the suggestion and guidelines of a panel of experts and departments’ technical personnel and international consultants, the design work of the barrage was in progress.

The World Bank mission also visited the Indus Blind Dolphins Center, and ongoing construction works related to the SBIP, including the mechanical workshop and engineering works.

Those who accompanied the team included Coordination and Monitoring Unit of Planing and Development’s Project Coordi-nator Nazir Essani, Sociologist Ghulam Hyder Qureshi, Director Ghulam Murtaza Abro and others.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2023