Sindh Province

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.

Karachi: ReNews Pakistan
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain in Karachi and other parts of Sindh for tomorrow, coinciding with the first day of Eid al-Fitr, prompting civic authorities to remain on alert.
According to the Met Office, the expected rainfall may bring temporary relief from warm weather conditions but could also lead to urban flooding and traffic disruptions in low-lying areas. The forecast has raised concerns regarding drainage capacity and municipal preparedness during the festive occasion.
In response, city authorities have directed relevant departments to ensure effective drainage arrangements, cleanliness, and emergency response readiness to avoid inconvenience for citizens. Special focus has been placed on maintaining the flow of traffic and preventing water accumulation in key commercial and residential zones.
Officials have advised residents to plan their travel accordingly and remain cautious, particularly in areas prone to waterlogging.
The anticipated weather activity highlights the need for proactive civic management to ensure that Eid celebrations proceed smoothly despite possible rain-related challenges.

Karachi: ReNews Pakistan
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday directed concerned authorities to accelerate progress on the Karachi K-IV water supply project, emphasizing the need for extra caution in densely populated areas where existing utility lines, including electricity, gas, and telecom, are present.
Officials said the K-IV project, designed to augment Karachi’s water supply system and meet the growing demand of the city’s population, has reached critical phases where urban construction intersects with residential neighborhoods. The Chief Minister instructed engineers and project managers to adopt advanced monitoring and safety measures to prevent disruption of services and ensure minimal inconvenience to citizens.
CM Shah also highlighted the importance of timely completion of the project, stressing that it is essential for addressing Karachi’s water shortage issues and supporting the city’s overall civic infrastructure. Authorities were asked to coordinate with utility companies, local administrations, and law enforcement agencies to ensure smooth execution.
The Chief Minister reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to providing a safe and reliable water supply to all residents, while ensuring that construction and operational activities are carried out with maximum safety, efficiency, and public convenience.
Officials confirmed that additional resources and technical teams would be deployed to expedite the project and maintain strict oversight, particularly in areas with high population density and complex utility networks.