Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice Maqbool Baqar has issued directives to improve the quality of ongoing rehabilitation work at Manchar Lake. The rehabilitation project is being carried out under a World Bank initiative to address the aftermath of last year’s devastating floods.
During his visit to areas near Manchar Lake, CM Baqar inspected the flood protection bund and canal systems in Jamshoro District. These efforts are part of the Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project, approved by the World Bank in December last year. The project aims to rehabilitate damaged infrastructure, provide short-term livelihood opportunities, and strengthen the provincial government’s capacity to respond to climate change and natural hazards.
The flood protection bund, which safeguards the area from hill torrents’ water flows during the monsoon season, suffered breaches last year. As a result, a cut was made in the lake’s dyke to release pressure. To prevent future damage, CM Baqar ordered the height of the bund to be raised, effectively creating a channel to safely accommodate higher water flows during monsoon season.
Acknowledging the importance of a well-performing irrigation system for the province’s agriculture sector and economy, CM Baqar emphasized the need for further improvement in the quality of work.
During the visit, CM Baqar also inspected the development work at the Aral Wah Canal and was briefed on the ongoing works by the Sukkur Barrage Chief Engineer and irrigation officers. The officials highlighted the progress in desilting canals, constructing protective dykes, and converting pumping stations to solar power.
Additionally, CM Baqar distributed proprietary rights documents among 51 flood-affected individuals in a ceremony held at the Sehwan Fort. He also inspected the reconstruction work on houses damaged during the floods and expressed his concerns over the state of affairs at the Arazi Rural Health Centre.
In a separate briefing on development projects in the Hyderabad division, officials informed CM Baqar about the allocation of funds for road and building schemes. CM Baqar emphasized the importance of completing ongoing projects and stated that any new projects would require permission from the Election Commission of Pakistan.
CM Baqar directed the Chief Secretary to engage with the federal government regarding land acquisition matters for the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M6) and urged the immediate commencement of work on the project.