Banner Online News

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has assured residents of Asaba that the perennial flooding problems bedeviling the state capital will soon become history, following significant progress on the ongoing multi-billion-naira flood control and drainage project.

Oborevwori gave the assurance on Monday, October 6, 2025 during an inspection tour of the massive stormwater channel linking several flood-prone parts of the city, from Summit Road through Nwelih Street, St. Patrick’s College, West-End Mixed Secondary School, Anwai Road, and Uche Medua Igeh — all the way to the Amilimocha Stream in Oshimili South Local Government Area.

Speaking after the tour, the governor explained that the approximately six-kilometre-long drainage system was strategically designed to collect stormwater from the Shoprite section of Okpanam Road and the Interbau-Ogagifo axis and channel it directly into the Amilimocha River.

“The only permanent solution is to take the water straight to the river,” Oborevwori said. “These drains are very deep — about six metres below ground — and that’s what makes them capable of solving this problem once and for all.”

The governor noted that the project features massive 2.4-by-2.4-metre reinforced concrete channels in critical sections to handle the large volume of stormwater that typically overwhelms Asaba during heavy rains. He said the portions already completed have significantly improved water flow and reduced flooding this rainy season.

“You can see that this rainy season, there’s been no flooding around Shoprite or nearby streets. The water now flows freely because the drains there are already functional. Once this final phase is done, flooding in Asaba will be gone for good,” he assured.

Oborevwori disclosed that China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the project’s contractor, has committed to completing all drainage works before the end of 2025, with asphalt overlay expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026.

“They’ve promised that by March 2026, the entire project will be delivered,” he added.

The governor further revealed that his administration had already paid 40 percent of the project cost to ensure smooth execution and that the state was not owing the contractor. He commended residents and business owners for their patience and cooperation during construction.

“Our people are not complaining; they’re happy. For decades, this area was a flood zone, but now they see real progress. This isn’t just construction — it’s about restoring confidence and improving lives,” he said.

Oborevwori also praised his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for laying the groundwork in tackling Asaba’s flood problem, adding that his administration was committed to building on those efforts.

“For almost ten years, we’ve been addressing flooding in Asaba. The previous government made significant progress, and we are completing what was started. The same is happening in Warri, where two phases of the storm drainage project are already done, and phase three is ongoing. This government is about continuity and impact,” he stressed.

Reaffirming his commitment to sustainable urban infrastructure and environmental safety, the governor announced plans to intensify project monitoring visits and flagged-off ceremonies for new projects, including the Okpanam-Ugbolu Road construction, which is set to begin on Tuesday.

Residents and business owners along the project corridor expressed delight at the governor’s visit, describing the flood control initiative as a “lifesaver” that would transform daily life and boost economic activity in the capital.

With substantial work already completed and full government funding secured, the Summit Road–Amilimocha Stream Flood Control Project is on track to deliver lasting relief to Asaba residents and permanently solve one of the city’s biggest infrastructural challenges.