Key Takeaways
- Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has invited a Chinese company to build a 100 km water pipeline in Karachi.
- The project aims to improve water flow in Sindh, which is crucial for the province’s irrigation system.
- The Sukkur Barrage improvement project, involving 54 gates, is in its fourth year and is nearing completion.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has extended an invitation to a Chinese firm to undertake a significant water pipeline project in Karachi, covering more than 100 kilometres. The project is part of a broader initiative to improve water flow and enhance the irrigation system in the province.
During his visit to the HBSZ facility in Wuhan, China, Chief Minister Shah emphasized the urgency of completing the project as soon as possible. The Chinese company has expressed its willingness to take on the task, indicating a potential collaboration between the two nations.
The Sukkur Barrage, described by the chief minister as the economic lifeline of Sindh, has seen significant improvements over the past few years. The barrage, crucial for irrigation, has been undergoing a rehabilitation and modernization project since February 2023, with a target completion date of June 2027.
The project, which is being carried out with financial assistance from the World Bank, the federal government, and the Sindh government, involves the replacement of 54 river gates. Of these, 44 gates have already been replaced and activated, while civil repair work on these gates has been completed. The remaining 10 gates are expected to be shipped to Sukkur soon.
Each of the new gates weighs more than 50 tonnes and is a critical component of the project. The Sukkur Barrage improvement project is in its fourth consecutive year, with substantial progress made so far. The rehabilitation and modernization contract was awarded jointly to China Road and Bridge Corporation and HBSZ.
The broader initiative also includes the rehabilitation of the Sukkur and Guddu barrages, which are essential for Sindh’s irrigation network and agricultural economy. The project aims to ensure a steady supply of water to the region, thereby supporting the agricultural sector and the overall economic development of Sindh.
The chief minister highlighted the importance of these projects in addressing water management challenges and improving the quality of life for the people of Sindh. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the province’s water supply and irrigation systems, potentially benefiting millions of residents and farmers.
