By Abdul Ghani

The Rs23.44 billion Sukkur Barrage rehabilitation and modernization project has achieved 58 percent progress and is set to be completed by February 23, 2027, according to the official documents obtained by Wealth Pakistan.

The project, aimed at strengthening Sindh’s irrigation network and improving the long-term reliability of one of Pakistan’s most vital water infrastructure assets, has achieved 49 percent financial progress.

The Sukkur Barrage Improvement Project (SBIP/S1) contract is being executed by a joint venture of China Road and Bridge Corporation and Hubei Shuizong Water Resources and Hydropower Construction Co. Ltd. The original contract, valued at Rs17.07 billion, was revised to Rs23.44 billion following the approval of variation orders.

The Letter of Acceptance (LOA) was issued on August 19, 2022, while the contract agreement was signed on October 24, 2022. Construction commenced on February 24, 2023, with a contract period of 1,460 days, excluding the 265-day Defects Notification Period (DNP).

The report highlights substantial progress on key components of the project. Cofferdam construction is underway in multiple phases, covering 36 barrage gates in the river section and eight gates in the tail channel. Mechanical and electrical rehabilitation works involving 44 gates and hoists are also progressing.

Civil engineering activities include repairs and strengthening of 44 barrage bays, foundations, and associated structures to improve operational safety and efficiency of the barrage. Dredging works are being carried out in the left and right pockets, approach channel, and tail channel to enhance water flow and sediment management.

In addition, construction of project-related buildings and facilities is continuing, with work on some structures nearing completion while limited activities remain on designated buildings.

Commissioned during the British era, Sukkur Barrage is a critical component of Pakistan's irrigation system and serves millions of acres of agricultural land across Sindh. The ongoing rehabilitation will contribute handsomely towards enhancing water regulation, improving structural resilience, and ensuring uninterrupted water supplies to the province's agriculture sector for decades to come.

Credit: INP-WealthPk