.jpg)
...Says Project Will End Flooding in Delta Capital
By Festus Ahon
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday expressed confidence that the persistent problem of flooding in Asaba, the state capital, will soon be permanently resolved, following significant progress on the ongoing multi-billion-naira flood control project.
The governor stated this while inspecting the extensive stormwater drainage system which traverses Summit Road, Nwelih Street, St. Patrick’s College, West-End Mixed Secondary School, Anwai Road, and Uche Medua Igeh, linking the Amilimocha Stream in Oshimili South Local Government Area.
Speaking with journalists after the inspection, Governor Oborevwori explained that the six-kilometre-long project was specifically designed to channel stormwater from the Shoprite axis of Okpanam Road and the Interbau–Ogagifo area directly into the Amilimocha River.
“The only way to permanently solve the flooding challenge in this area is to take the water straight to the river. The drains here are very deep — about six meters underground — and that is what makes this solution sustainable,” the governor said.
He disclosed that the project features 2.4-by-2.4-metre reinforced concrete drains at key sections, designed to handle large volumes of stormwater that often overwhelm the city during heavy rainfall.
According to him, even the sections of the drainage system already completed have greatly improved the flow of stormwater, resulting in a noticeable reduction in flooding during the current rainy season.
“You can see that this rainy season, there has been no flooding around Shoprite and adjoining streets. The water now flows freely because the drain from that axis is already functional. By the time this last phase is completed, flooding in Asaba will be a thing of the past,” Oborevwori assured.
He further revealed that the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), had assured the state government of completing the project ahead of schedule. The stormwater works are expected to be concluded by the end of 2025, with asphalt overlay works set to commence in early 2026.
“The contractor has promised to finish all storm drainage works before the end of this year, and by the first quarter of next year, they will start asphalting. By March 2026, we expect the project to be fully completed,” he said.
Governor Oborevwori added that the state government had already mobilized the contractor with 40 percent of the total contract sum to ensure seamless execution, emphasizing that the government owed the contractor nothing.
He commended residents and business owners affected by the construction for their understanding and cooperation, noting that the people were excited to see visible progress after decades of recurring flooding.
“Our people are not complaining; they are happy. For years, this area has been a flood zone, but now they can see real progress. This is not just about construction — it’s about restoring confidence and improving lives,” he said.
The governor also appreciated his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for his administration’s efforts in tackling the flooding problem in Asaba, stating that his government is consolidating on those gains.
“For almost ten years now, we have been confronting the issue of flooding in Asaba. The previous government did a lot, and we are completing what was started. We are also replicating the same success in Warri, where phases one and two of the storm drainage projects have been substantially completed, and phase three is ongoing. This government is about continuity and impact,” he affirmed.
Reiterating his commitment to sustainable urban infrastructure, environmental safety, and people-oriented development, Oborevwori announced that he would continue his inspection visits and would, on Tuesday, flag off the construction of the Okpanam–Ugbolu Road, among other upcoming projects.
Residents and business owners along the project corridor, who were visibly elated by the governor’s visit, lauded the state government’s intervention, describing it as a long-awaited solution to the yearly nightmare of flooding that had crippled economic and social life in the city.
With visible progress on-site and full government funding in place, the Summit Road–Amilimocha Stream Flood Control Project is expected to deliver lasting relief to the people of Asaba and transform the city’s flood management system.