The World Bank has downgraded the implementation and development ratings of Pakistan’s Sindh Barrages Improvement Project from “Satisfactory” to “Moderately Satisfactory,” citing slow progress in barrage operations and institutional capacity.
The overall risk rating of the $314.93 million project remains “Substantial.”
The project aims to strengthen the Sindh Irrigation Department’s capacity to operate and manage barrages while improving the reliability and safety of the Guddu and Sukkur barrages.
According to World Bank documents, the project has achieved an overall disbursement rate of around 82.25%.
Major rehabilitation works at Guddu and Sukkur barrages are progressing and remain on track for completion in the first half of 2027, despite challenges including a cofferdam breach at Sukkur Barrage in March 2026.
The Bank said substantial progress has been made in restoring and strengthening barrage infrastructure.
Rehabilitation and modernisation works reached 84% by July 2026, against a target of 100% 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.
Despite strong progress on civil works, the World Bank raised concerns over slower improvements in barrage operations and institutional capacity.
The operation and maintenance performance scorecard increased only marginally from 40 in December 2025 to 44 in July 2026, against a target of 90 by June 2028.
The Bank also highlighted limited progress on a sediment-testing standard operating procedure.
Calibration of canal head regulators has been restarted but remains slow, while the Barrage Management Unit has yet to award a performance-based maintenance contract.
Technical studies for long-term flood and sediment management at Sukkur Barrage have been completed but still need to be operationalised.
The project aims to increase the combined flood passage capacity of Guddu and Sukkur barrages from 900,000 cusecs to 1.2 million cusecs.
However, the current capacity remains at baseline levels until the rehabilitation works are completed.
The World Bank also noted that the Kotri Barrage Improvement study remains in the procurement stage.
A preliminary assessment for a possible new Sukkur Barrage location has been completed, although no further progress on its draft terms of reference has been reported.
A Barrage Management Unit has been established, but the World Bank called for further strengthening and regular monitoring.
Emergency preparedness plans for three barrages have also been prepared, reviewed and revised. However, the Bank said these plans still need to be properly disseminated among barrage and local authorities.
The project is expected to benefit around five million people through climate-resilient infrastructure, improved barrage management and stronger emergency preparedness once the planned improvements are completed.
The revised closing date for the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project is June 30, 2028.
