*Inspects Multi-Billion-Naira Control Project
THE Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday, October 6, enthused that the age-long problem of flooding in Asaba, the state capital, will soon be permanently resolved due to steady progress on the ongoing multi-billion-naira flood control project.
Speaking to journalists after an inspection tour of the stormwater drainage system traversing Summit Road through Nwelih Street, St. Patrick’s College, West-End Mixed Secondary School, Anwai Road and Uche Medua Igeh Street, linking the Amilimocha Stream in Oshimili South Local Council, Oborevwori said the project, measuring six kilometres in length, was designed to channel floodwater from the Shoprite axis of Okpanam Road and the Interbau-Ogagifo area directly into the river.
He said: “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 the flood control project features 2.4-by-2.4-meter concrete drains at critical sections, built to handle the high volume of stormwater that typically overwhelms the capital city during the rainy season, noting that even the portions of the drainage system already completed have significantly improved the flow of stormwater, leading to a marked reduction in flooding during the current rainy season.
“You can see that this rainy season, there has been no flooding around Shoprite and the adjoining streets. The water now flows freely, because the drain from that axis is already functioning.
“By the time this last phase is completed, flooding in Asaba will be a thing of the past,” Oborevwori assured.
He said the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), has assured the state government that the entire stormwater project will be completed ahead of schedule, with drainage works expected to be finished by the end of tis year, and asphalt overlay works set to begin early next year.
Oborevwori stressed that the state government was not owing and had indeed already mobilised the contractor with 40 per cent of the contract sum to ensure unhindered progress.
He commended residents and business owners affected by the ongoing construction for their cooperation, saying: “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 commended his predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for his efforts in addressing the problem of flooding in the capital city, noting: “For almost 10 years now, we have been tackling 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.”
Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable urban infrastructure, environmental safety and people-oriented development, assuring that he would continue his project monitoring visits and that several groundbreaking ceremonies for new projects would be flagged off in the coming days.
