HYDERABAD: A World Bank mission recently visited the Guddu Barrage to review progress in the rehabilitation works being carried out under the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project (SBIP).
The mission comprised World Bank Task Team Leader Francois Onimus, Environmental Specialist Alfanso, and Social Safeguards Specialist Imran-ul-Haque.
The delegation was accompanied by SBIP Project Director Noor-ul-Arfeen Baloch, Deputy Director Technical SBIP Abdul Fatah Memon, and Project Coordinator Specialist Abdul Razaque Memon.
During the visit, the World Bank team first inspected Rainee Canal from where irrigation water had been supplied to the Ghotki Feeder Canal (GFC) through a diversion channel during the execution of gate replacement works on the left pocket of the barrage and removal of the silt excluder.
The project director informed the mission that irrigation water had continued to be supplied to the Ghotki Canal during the extended closure period through a diversion channel constructed under VO-18 between March and May 2026.
He stated that after the successful removal of the silt excluder and installation of new left pocket gates at the barrage, irrigation supplies to the Ghotki Canal had now been restored through the head regulator.
The mission also reviewed the ongoing removal of the cofferdam.
Representatives of the project implementation consultant (PIC) and Descon Engineering Limited informed the delegation that around 30 per cent of the upstream and downstream cofferdam on the left pocket of the Guddu Barrage had been removed, while the remaining work would be completed within a week.
Later, the World Bank team visited the jetty area upstream of the left side of the Barrage where dismantled material from the silt excluder had been safely stored. During the inspection, the mission inquired about the disposal process for scrap material from the old gates.
The project director said the material would be handed over to the barrage authorities and disposed of in accordance with the SPPRA rules and Sindh government procedures through the irrigation department.
Following the inspection of the SBIP G-2 works, the mission visited the SBIP G-3A site, where construction work on the TJ Spur is underway.
The project director informed the delegation that 95 per cent of the work had been completed and the remaining work was expected to finish by May 28, 2026.
The World Bank mission expressed satisfaction at the completed and ongoing works under the SBIP and appreciated the efforts of the agencies and contractors concerned.
Officials of the Descon Engineering Limited and PIC representatives briefed the delegation during a meeting held at the New Barrage Colony following the site visit.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the World Bank, PMO, PIC, Descon Engineering Limited, as well as the Guddu Barrage XEN and SE Irrigation officials.
The delegation was informed that the Guddu Barrage rehabilitation project was expected to be completed by March 2027.
