HYDERABAD, Jan 8: A spokesman for Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority (Sida) on Monday rejected allegations levelled by Sindh Abadgar Board (SAB), saying that Sida was an uncontroversial body and a representative organisation of farmers which was striving for participatory irrigation system.

In a rebuttal to SAB’s assertions, he said Sida was headed by the provincial irrigation minister as chairman. Entire functions of Sida were supervised by Sida’s board which also had representation of farmers.

It always ensured transparency in work and to ensure more transparency, an agreement had been signed with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

He said that all contracts and purchases were made through the FAO. A representative of Transparency International was invited for monitoring when tenders were opened for smooth and fair tendering process.

Sida’s audit report was posted every year on its website so that all those interested in seeking information could visit it.

Sida was working for improvement in the irrigation system.

Area water boards were created at canal system and farmers’ organisations (FOs) were formed at distributary level, he said, adding that some associations were formed at watercourses level for distribution of water under participatory system through farmers.

He said that currently 355 FOs ensured judicious water distribution and collections of abiyana and supervisions of distributaries.

He said that these measures had led to provision of water in tail-end areas. Sida was taking measures to strengthen FOs which were working diligently.