Sindh Province

Karachi: ReNews Pakistan
Highlighting the long-term impact of the devastating 2022 floods, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah stated that over 19,500 schools across the province were damaged, severely disrupting the education system in flood-affected areas.
In response to the widespread destruction, the provincial government has initiated reconstruction and rehabilitation work on more than 5,000 schools through provincial, federal, and donor-funded programmes. These efforts aim to restore educational access for over 1.4 million students who were affected by the disaster.
Officials said the floods not only destroyed school buildings but also exposed vulnerabilities in infrastructure, particularly in low-lying and rural regions. Many schools were either completely washed away or rendered unsafe, forcing students to remain out of classrooms for extended periods.
The ongoing rebuilding process focuses on constructing resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding future climate-related disasters. Authorities are prioritizing the worst-hit districts, where the floods caused the most severe damage to public facilities, including schools.
The chief minister emphasized that the rehabilitation of schools is a critical component of broader flood recovery efforts, aimed at normalizing life and restoring essential public services in affected communities.
Experts noted that beyond physical reconstruction, the initiative is vital for addressing learning losses caused by prolonged disruptions, especially among children in vulnerable communities.
The Sindh government, in collaboration with international partners, reaffirmed its commitment to completing the reconstruction work at the earliest, ensuring that flood-affected students can safely return to schools and resume their education without further delay.

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.