ISLAMABAD, Sept 28: Several ‘mechanical problems’ dogging the Taunsa Barrage have forced the federal authorities to provide Rs11.2 billion to the Punjab government for undertaking emergency repair work, also proposed by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Official sources told Dawn that due to continuous use over the years, mechanical components of the barrage had outlived their life. The deteriorating machinery needed more funds for repair and replacement of parts than in the past, they added.

Japan is expected to meet the Foreign Exchange Component (FEC) cost of the programme by providing Rs5.1 billion to help rehabilitate the barrage.

The Ministry of Water and Power has carried out in-depth examination of the barrage and recommended urgent repair.

Most of the mechanical components and structures of the barrage have undergone wear and tear.

A study conducted with the help of JICA in the past confirmed that the gates and hydraulic structures of the barrage had deteriorated to such an extent that they needed an immediate rehabilitation.

The extensive repair will be carried out under the Taunsa Barrage Emergency Rehabilitation and Modernisation Project (revised PC-1).