Change is constant, said the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus, yet here it often takes a significant disruption or disaster for us to take a meaningful action. This tendency to wait for something to break before addressing the underlying issue is aptly evident in the case of the Sukkur Barrage. Originally known as the Lloyd Barrage when it was completed in 1932, this engineering marvel has been crucial for Pakistan’s agriculture, with the capability of discharging 1.4 million cubic meters of water per second. Despite its critical importance, it has faced numerous issues over the decades, often addressed only after severe damage has occurred.

The Sukkur Barrage is world’s largest single irrigation network of its kind, spanning the Sindh province from the Sukkur district in the north to the western districts. Its network of seven canals extends to 9,923 kilometers and irrigates over 7.63 million acres of land. The barrage’s retaining wall has 66 gates, each 18 meters wide and weighing 50 tons, underscoring its monumental scale and significance. Yet, despite its vital role in supporting agriculture and local economies, the barrage has suffered from neglect and a reactive approach to maintenance.

Action is taken only when failure is imminent or has already occurred.

In 1982, the collapse of Gate No. 32 highlighted the risks of deferred maintenance, prompting the replacement of all gates between 1989 and 1992. However, history repeated itself in 2019 when Gate No. 39 was damaged, necessitating the emergency replacement of six gates yet again. These incidents underscore a troubling........

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