Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasized his government’s focus on bolstering the agrarian economy with disaster-resilient infrastructure, citing the rehabilitation of Sukkur Barrage and the construction of homes for flood-affected families as prime examples. Speaking during a joint meeting with the Irrigation Department and the Peoples Housing Project at CM House, Shah highlighted the Rs 24 billion Sukkur Barrage Gates and Structure Rehabilitation Project as a cornerstone of these efforts.
The project was launched after the collapse of a gate at the Sukkur Barrage on June 20, 2024, and aims to replace all 66 gates of the historic structure, including canal gates. The meeting was attended by key provincial officials, including Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Home Minister Zia Lanjar, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and Peoples Housing CEO Khalid Shaikh, among others. Jam Khan Shoro briefed the CM on the project’s progress, revealing that major civil works were underway, with completion slated for February 23, 2027.
The plan includes constructing a large cofferdam and inspecting and repairing the barrage’s floors, piers, and built-in components for the first time since its construction. Construction of the stage-1 cofferdam began on September 16, 2024, followed by the replacement of 16 main gates on October 20. Shoro reported that 510 sheet piles for the upstream cofferdam had been installed, while work on downstream piles commenced on November 26, with 16 out of 594 piles completed. Temporary access for equipment and material transport has also been finalized.
During the meeting, SPHF CEO Khalid Shaikh provided updates on housing reconstruction for communities affected by devastating floods. Over one million bank accounts have been opened to facilitate direct fund transfers to beneficiaries.
So far, funds have been distributed to 810,000 families, enabling the completion of 475,000 homes, with 300,000 families already resettled. The CM praised these achievements as part of the Sindh government’s vision for disaster-resilient infrastructure and enhanced living standards for affected communities.
“Through projects like the Sukkur Barrage Rehabilitation and the Peoples Housing initiative, we are creating a future-ready Sindh, equipped to address climate challenges while uplifting its people,” he stated. Shah reiterated his government’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive development, emphasizing the dual focus on safeguarding vital infrastructure and empowering vulnerable communities. He urged stakeholders to maintain momentum in both housing and irrigation projects to ensure their timely completion.
These initiatives reflect Sindh’s broader strategy to tackle climate challenges and support its population, setting a precedent for proactive governance in the face of adversity.
