The Sindh Irrigation Department has refused to take over Rs 2.75 billion Chotiari Dam in Sanghar district due to faulty construction. According to Irrigation Department officials, massive irregularities were found in the construction of the dam. They also alleged that sub-standard materials had been used during the construction of the dam, and added that precautionary measures had also not been taken for the safety of the people residing close to the dam.

The irrigation authorities said the banks along the dams were also faulty as such they would not take the risk unless it was improved according to international standard.

Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) General Manager Brigadier Muhammad Iqbal, commenting on the objections, said that the dam was completed in December 2002 and had been constructed according to specification.

The Wapda's Water Wing Chief Engineer Abdul Rehman Laghar said the Provincial Irrigation Department report pointed out that sub-standard earthwork had been carried out.

The report also pointed out that during the 2003 rains, several breaches had been occurred, he added.

He said following the receipt of report, he sent a detailed report to the Federal government copies of which were also sent to the Wapda and the Provincial Irrigation Department.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005