Qaim says there's no threat to Sukkur Barrage

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has said that floodwater will hopefully safely pass through Sindh province, as arrangements have been made in this regard. He was talking to journalists after he received a briefing by the Secretary Irrigation on flood situation after visiting Left Bank of the River Indus from Guddu Barrage to Sukkur Barrage, said a hand out issued here on Saturday night.
The Chief Minister said that 7,00,000 cusecs floodwater is expected till August 03, however, water flow may further increase due to expected rain on Koh-e-Suleman from Monday to Wednesday. Therefore, he added, arrangements have been made to handle 9,00,000 cusecs floodwater.
The Chief Minister said that presently there is no threat to Sukkur Barrage, because 12,00,000 cusecs floodwater passed through the barrage in 2010.
He informed that a World Bank's team and British experts will visit Sukkur Barrage and prepare a report for required repair work.
Qaim Ali Shah said that according to irrigation experts the repair work will extend the life of the barrage for another 25 years.
Earlier, Secretary Irrigation Syed Zaheer Haider Shah briefing the Chief Minister said that presently there is no threat to protective embankments due to water pressure, adding that round the clock surveillance of embankments by district administration and irrigation department's officials is being ensured.
He pointed out that currently Upstream water flow at Sukkur Barrage is 6,00,000 cusecs, and according to flood prediction, 7,25,000 cusecs water will pass through Sukkur Barrage on August 03.
He said that there is possibility of increase in water flow due to forecast of more rain at Koh-e-Suleman, therefore, he added, preparations have been made to handle 9,00,000 cusecs water.
While Commissioner Sukkur briefed the Chief Minister on relief works in rain/flood-affected districts of Sukkur division.
The Chief Minister told the Commissioner Sukkur that each district will receive Rs 5 million for relief works, adding that the Finance department has been issued instructions in this regard.
Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah and CM Sindh's Special Assistant Ali Hasan Hangor were present.