It gives me immense pleasure to place my message over the newly created and activated website of SIDA, which was established under SIDA Act 1997 – repealed and replaced by Sindh Water Management Ordinance in October 2002. SIDA is currently working in the light of the ordinance in order to provide for the establishment on long term, sustainable and participatory basis, of public systems for the distribution and delivery of irrigation water, the removal of water and the management of flood waters, which are transparent, accountable, efficient and operating to standards agreed with and acceptable to users.

SIDA has been implementing irrigation reforms by introducing participatory irrigation management in order to restore equitable and reliable water delivery to the farmers. SIDA is committed to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life in Sindh Province through integrated water management. Its mission is to improve water management in Sindh and ensure equitable distribution of water, efficient removal of drainage water, management of river flood protection infrastructure and act as a prime agent of change. SIDA will do so through an integrated approach in a sustainable manner, using sound business principles and in partnership with its clients and stakeholders.

SIDA is also acting as Regulatory Authority on provisional basis to provide a stable regulatory environment which will allow corporate bodies to effectively and equitably deliver their services and to safeguard of stakeholders.

After my taking over as Managing Director SIDA, the activities required to achieve the above mission have been taken into hand and pace of implementation accelerated. The organization is not yet fully staffed and still tides to some controlled regulations which hamper it from operating as a fully autonomous body on sound business principle. A team work with key stakeholders and newly created institutions i.e. FOs & AWBs has been established to improve the performance of the organization. The information uploaded on the website is qualitative and would be useful for not only general public but for partners including government and donor agencies.

I am sure that with all my efforts and team work of my colleagues and field offices the realization of above objectives and mission is not too far, I would be happy to receive any comment or message from the visitors of this website for not only improving the website but any issue that require my immediate attention. I would leave no stone unturned to get it done in minimum possible time.

Muhammad Hashim Leghari

Managing Director, SIDA