World Bank Team Reviews Progress at Guddu Barrage Upgrade
SBIP mission inspects gate installation, infrastructure works; project targets 2027 completion
By Aleena Fatima
KARACHI/SUKKUR: The World Bank’s Sindh Barrages Improvement Project (SBIP) Implementation Support Mission on Monday inspected ongoing rehabilitation works at the Guddu Barrage to assess progress on major infrastructure upgrades.
Led by SBIP Task Team Leader Mr. François Onimus, the delegation included Mr. Zelalam Meknon (Water Specialist), Mr. Alphonse (Senior Environment Specialist), and Mr. Imran-ul-Haq (Senior Social and Development Expert). Mr. Pretium Das, Project Director PMO SBIP, accompanied the mission throughout the visit.
The team began its inspection at the DESCON contractor camp on the barrage’s left bank, where preparations are underway for the manufacturing of new gates by JHMC China. The mission later visited the jetty area to observe the transportation and installation process of the bulkhead gate.
During the briefing, Project Director Mr. Pretium Das informed the mission that 30 new gates have been installed this season, while 24 more are scheduled for completion. The remaining 11 gates will be installed next season.
The World Bank delegation was told that the project has now entered a fast-track phase, with overall completion targeted for March 2027.
The mission also reviewed progress at the SBIP G-3 Project, where the construction of the TJ Spur is underway. Officials reported that 81% of the physical work under SBIP/G-2 has been completed.
A joint press briefing was later held by Project Director Mr. Pretium Das, Task Team Leader Mr. François Onimus, and DCRE Deputy Chief Resident Engineer Mr. Shahyar, who shared updates with the media.
After concluding the visit at Guddu, the World Bank mission proceeded to Sukkur for further engagements.
Officials accompanying the mission included Deputy Project Director Noor-ul-Arfeen Baloch, Mr. Imran Aziz Tunio, Mr. Abdul Fatah Memin, Mr. A. Razak Memon, Mr. Mehran Sattar, Ms. Carrie Eller, and Mr. Shahyar Aslam.
The visit reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to strengthening Sindh’s major barrages and enhancing climate resilience under the SBIP framework.
