The World Bank has downgraded the implementation and development ratings of Pakistan’s Sindh Barrages Improvement Project, citing slow progress in barrage operations and institutional capacity despite substantial progress in rehabilitation work.
The $314.93 million project’s development objective and implementation progress ratings have both been revised from “Satisfactory” to “Moderately Satisfactory,” while its overall risk rating remains “Substantial.”
The project aims to strengthen the Sindh Irrigation Department’s capacity to operate and manage barrages and improve the reliability and safety of the Guddu and Sukkur barrages. Around 82.25 percent of the project funds have been disbursed so far.
The World Bank said major rehabilitation work at the Guddu and Sukkur barrages remains on track for completion in the first half of 2027, despite challenges including a cofferdam breach at Sukkur Barrage in March 2026.
Rehabilitation and modernization work at the two barrages had reached 84 percent by July 2026, against the ultimate target of 100 percent by June 2028. A total of 125 gates have been replaced, including 25 Guddu canal gates, 56 Guddu main barrage gates and 44 Sukkur main barrage gates.
However, the Bank said progress in improving operations and institutional capacity has remained slower than expected. The operation and maintenance performance scorecard improved only marginally from 40 in December 2025 to 44 in July 2026, against a target of 90 by June 2028.
The Bank also flagged delays in sediment testing procedures, calibration of canal head regulators and the award of a performance based maintenance contract. It said technical studies for long term flood and sediment management at Sukkur Barrage had been completed but still needed to be put into operation.
The project is designed to increase the flood passage capacity of the Sukkur and Guddu barrages from 900,000 cusecs to 1.2 million cusecs once rehabilitation work is completed. The project is expected to benefit around five million people, with its revised closing date set for June 30, 2028.
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