Hyderabad | ReNews Pakistan
The re-lining of Akram Wah, a left bank perennial canal of Kotri Barrage, has been finalized as a long-term solution to address persistent water shortages in agricultural lands within its command area, particularly in tail-end regions.
The initiative is expected to significantly reduce freshwater losses caused by seepage and enable the canal to carry its designed discharge capacity—something it has not achieved since its construction in the 1950s.
The project is being implemented under the World Bank-funded Sindh Water and Agriculture Transformation (SWAT) programme, with an overall cost of $320 million. The programme comprises separate components for agriculture and water sector reforms.
According to officials, the procurement process for the project will commence next month, while physical re-lining work will begin after the conclusion of the upcoming kharif season. Authorities explained that construction activities cannot be undertaken during this period due to increased water demand for summer crops.
The decision to reline the canal was taken following a detailed assessment by Project Implementation Consultants (PICs), including National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) and Associated Consulting Engineers (ACE). The consultants reviewed an earlier feasibility report prepared under the Water Sector Improvement Project (WSIP), executed by the Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority (SIDA).
Based on their findings, the consultants recommended maintaining re-lining work from RD-0 to RD-193 to effectively control seepage losses and conserve freshwater.
Project Director of the SWAT water component, Jamal Mangan, stated that the rehabilitation cost of Akram Wah has reached approximately Rs21 billion. Experts believe that upon completion, the project will improve water efficiency, enhance agricultural productivity, and ensure equitable water distribution, especially benefiting farmers in tail-end areas.
Local farming communities have welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that timely execution will strengthen irrigation infrastructure and support sustainable agricultural growth in the region.

Hyderabad : ReNews Pakistan
Residents of multiple residential areas in Hyderabad have experienced disruptions in water supply, highlighting concerns related to utility service coordination and management during the ongoing month of Ramazan.
According to local reports, operational and administrative challenges within the Hyderabad Water and Sewerage Corporation have contributed to irregular water distribution across several neighborhoods. The situation has affected routine domestic activities, particularly in densely populated residential zones where consistent water access is essential for household use.
The situation has been further impacted by coordination gaps between the water utility and the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company, as electricity supply plays a critical role in operating water pumping stations and maintaining consistent distribution across the urban network.
Civic planning observers note that uninterrupted water supply is a fundamental component of residential infrastructure, directly influencing property usability, living standards, and overall neighborhood stability. Interruptions in such essential services can affect both residents’ daily routines and the functional value of residential areas.
Residents have expressed expectations for improved operational coordination and timely framework management to ensure reliable utility services. Effective collaboration between relevant service providers remains essential for maintaining stable urban infrastructure and supporting the needs of growing residential communities.
Officials are expected to review operational mechanisms and coordination frameworks to support consistent service delivery and ensure sustainable utility management across Hyderabad’s residential sectors.

Hyderabad : ReNews Pakistan
Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has announced a significant gas and condensate discovery at its Dars West‑3 well in Tando Allah Yar district, Sindh, enhancing Pakistan’s indigenous energy portfolio and supporting development of associated infrastructure and land assets.
The well, drilled to a total depth of 2,100 metres in the Lower Goru Formation, produced 9.70 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of gas and 580 barrels per day (BPD) of condensate during testing, highlighting strong commercial potential.
Technical assessments indicate a wellhead flowing pressure of 1,725 psi, confirming reservoir productivity and supporting plans for upstream development. OGDC described the results as encouraging, signaling robust hydrocarbon potential in the region. Infrastructure works, including pipelines connecting the well to the Kunnar Pasakhi Deep‑Tando Allah Yar processing facility, are underway. Gas from the well will be processed and integrated into the Sui Southern Gas Company network, adding new volumes to the national energy supply system.
OGDCL holds a 77.5 percent working interest in the Dars West Development and Production Lease, with Government Holdings Private Limited holding 22.5 percent, ensuring coordinated investment and phased development. Experts note that such discoveries also influence regional land and property development, as pipeline routes, processing plants, and access roads improve the utility and value of nearby urban and commercial sites.
The discovery is expected to accelerate OGDC’s broader exploration and field development goals, enhance energy security, and promote integration of hydrocarbon resources with regional infrastructure and real asset planning, while reducing import dependence and boosting provincial economic activity.