Sukkur: A World Bank (WB) mission, visiting Pakistan to observe the rehabilitation of deteriorating Sukkur barrage, has expressed keen interest in its restoration and rehabilitation, according to news sources.
The members of the mission appreciated the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project which aims to replace 65 gates of the main barrage and 25 gates of off-taking canals. The Sukkur barrage branches out into seven canals with 1,629 outlets and several minor canals. According to estimates, the barrage provides 70% of the water used for irrigation in the Sindh province.
WB has already provided a financial
assistance of USD 160 million for the replacement of the gates and dragging of
the pond area of the barrage. Moreover, the mission also took interest in the
preservation of local marine life (with special focus on the endangered Indus
blind dolphins).
The mission was headed by task team
leader Mr Tory Konishi and included water
resources specialist Francois Onimus, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Consultant
Ahmed Junaid Memon, among others.
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