Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday expressed optimism that the long-standing problem of flooding in Asaba, the state capital, will soon be permanently resolved following steady progress on the ongoing multi-billion-naira flood control project.
The governor made this known during an inspection tour of the massive stormwater drainage system traversing Summit Road through Nwelih Street, St. Patrick’s College, West-End Mixed Secondary School, Anwai Road, and Uche Medua Igeh, all linking the Amilimocha Stream in Oshimili South Local Government Area.
Speaking with journalists after the inspection, Oborevwori said the project, measuring approximately six kilometers in total length, was designed to channel floodwater from the Shoprite axis of Okpanam Road and the Interbau-Ogagifo area directly into the Amilimocha 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.”
According to the governor, 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.
He noted 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.
The governor revealed that 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 2025, and asphalt overlay works set to begin early next year.
“The contractor has promised to deliver 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 this project to be fully completed,” he added.
Governor Oborevwori also disclosed that the state government had already mobilized the contractor with 40 percent of the contract sum to ensure unhindered progress, emphasizing that government was not owing the contractor.
He commended the cooperation of residents and business owners affected by the ongoing construction, saying the people were excited that government was finally addressing a problem that had plagued them for decades.
Oborevwori said; “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 also commended his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for his efforts to address the problem of flooding in the capital city, saying; “for almost ten 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.
The governor announced that he would continue his project monitoring visits and that several groundbreaking ceremonies for new projects, adding that the Okpanam-Ugbolu Road construction, would be flagged off tomorrow and others in the coming days.
Residents and business owners along the project corridor, visibly elated by the governor’s visit, expressed appreciation for the state government’s commitment to cure the yearly nightmare of flooding that has long disrupted economic and social life in Asaba.
With visible progress on-site and full government funding in place, the Summit Road-Amilimocha Stream Flood Control Project is widely expected to deliver lasting relief to the people of Asaba.
