TRADE & ECONOMY

Sukkur Barrage's 16 Gate Conversion Project Inaugurated at a Cost of 16 Billion Rupees

The 16 gate conversion project at Sukkur Barrage has been inaugurated with a budget of 16 billion rupees. A Chinese company will complete the work in eight months.
2024-10-21
Sukkur Barrage's 16 Gate Conversion Project Inaugurated at a Cost of 16 Billion Rupees

The long-awaited 16 gate conversion project of the Sukkur Barrage has officially been inaugurated, marking a significant advancement in water management for the region. The project, which carries an estimated cost of 16 billion rupees, aims to enhance the barrage's capacity and efficiency.

 

The inauguration ceremony took place in front of the museum on the left side of the Sukkur barrage, with key stakeholders in attendance. The project is expected to be completed within eight months, with the installation of the new gates to begin after the construction of supporting Kafir dams over the next three months. The remaining five months will be dedicated to the actual installation of the gates.

 

During a seminar held at a local hotel, Secretary Irrigation Sindh, Zarif Kedi, provided insights into the project's significance. He highlighted that the command area for the three barrages in Sindh spans an impressive 1.21 million acres, with the Sukkur barrage alone covering 170,000 acres. He emphasized the necessity of this upgrade, noting that over the last century, the water level on the upper side of the river has increased by five and a half feet.

 

The Secretary also announced plans to boost the Sukkur barrage's capacity to handle 1.2 million cusecs, further enhancing its operational capabilities.

 

Engineers from the Chinese company undertaking the project, including Ms. Carey, assured attendees that measures would be taken to protect aquatic life during construction. She expressed enthusiasm about the project, describing it as a unique experience for the team.

 

The project will create local job opportunities, with 60 local workers being employed during the construction phase. Work will occur around the clock, necessitating the closure of the barrage road for traffic. A comprehensive traffic management plan will be devised to mitigate disruptions during this period.

 

As the Sukkur Barrage undergoes this transformation, the community looks forward to improved water management and infrastructure that will support the region's agricultural and economic needs.