SUKKUR: Significant progress is being made on the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project (SBIP), with 16 of the 27 planned gate replacements at the Sukkur Barrage now successfully installed.

Project Engineer Abdul Fatah Memon briefed reporters on Sunday, confirming that the remaining 11 gates are on track for installation by May 31. While acknowledging the potential for a minor delay of several days, Mr Memon emphasised that civil and mechanical engineering teams are working day and night to meet the deadline.

A key concern for local agriculture remains the steady supply of water. Mr Memon reassured the public that the coffer dam, a temporary embankment, has been constructed to be exceptionally robust to ensure no disruptions to the flow. Consequently, water supply is continuing through the canal system according to irrigation requirements, and the ongoing construction has not caused any operational difficulties.

The rehabilitation is a collaborative effort involving Chinese engineers aimed at bolstering the barrage’s long-term efficiency and structural integrity.

The project engineer expressed total satisfaction with the current pace of work, stating that the situation remains fully under control.

High-level provincial officials, including Minister for Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro, irrigation secretary, and SBIP Project Director Noorul Arfeen, are expected to visit the site shortly to conduct a formal progress review. Once this critical phase is finalised, the Sukkur Barrage is expected to see a marked improvement in its overall operational capacity and water management systems.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2026