BY CHIBUZOR ISICHEI
If there is anything that gives residents of Asaba, the capital of Delta State, nightmares, it is flooding whenever it rains or even when it is threatening to do so. However, previous administrations in the State have tried to put a stop to the ravaging floods with minimal success.
Yes, the immediate past administration, under Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa tried his best to put an end to the disaster, but as it would appear, his best was not good enough.
Believing that government is a continuum, the Sheriff Oborevwori administration, having taken over the assets and liabilities of previous administrations, inherited the flooding challenge in Asaba, and of course, in Warri. Thus, Governor Oborevwori vowed to check the flooding menace by all means.
Recently, Governor Oborevwori, on an inspection tour of the massive storm water drainage system, expressed optimism that the longstanding problem of flooding in Asaba would soon be permanently resolved following steady progress in the ongoing multi-million naira flood control project. The massive storm water drainage system traverses the Summit Road through Nweli Street, St. Patrick’s College, West End, and links to the Amilimaocha Stream in Oshimili South Local Government Area.
The Governor said the project, measuring approximately 6km in total length, was designed to channel flood from the Shoprite axis along the Okpanam Road and the Inter-Bau area directly into the Amilimaocha tributary, adding that the only way to permanently solve the flooding challenge in the area was to take the water straight to the Niger River. The Governor said that the drains are very deep, about 6m underground, and that makes the solution to the problem sustainable.
Governor Oborevwori also disclosed that the contractor of the project, China Civil Engineering Construction (CCECC), has assured the government that the entire stormwater project would be completed ahead of schedule and that the drainage work is expected to be finished at the end of 2025.
He also stressed that the Contractor has promised to begin asphalting by March 2026, stressing that contractors have been fully paid.
The Governor commended the residents and business owners affected by the ongoing construction, saying that the people were excited that the government was finally addressing the problem that had plagued them for years.
Governor Oborevwori said that the previous government did a lot on the project and that his administration has come to complete what they started.
More to this, residents and business owners along the project corridor, visibly elated by the Governor’s visit, expressed appreciation for his commitment to curb the perennial nightmare of flooding that had disrupted economic and social life in Asaba.
One of the petty traders living in the area, Mrs Elizabeth Ibe, who had been displaced by the floods, lauded the State government and Governor Oborevwori for coming to the aid of the people in the area, who she said have suffered enough.
She said that their hearts jumped into their mouths each time it rained and even when it threatened to rain because the consequences were too unbearable. ‘’Yes, it is either it affects houses or their businesses, and it is very biting in this harsh economy because anything lost now is hard to replace’’ adding “what you have, you hold.”
Mrs Ibe also said ‘’It is painful to see your property being destroyed by floods’’, even as she prayed, ‘’God will bless our Governor for seeing into the plight of the masses.’’
Another respondent, a carpenter, Mr Joseph Idris, said he and most of the residents in the area are happy with what the Governor is doing to help the people from the trauma they had faced for more than a decade now. He said that his house and workshop had been ‘swept off’ several times by floods and that the small money he makes is being taken away for repairs or replacement of what the floods had destroyed, adding that he found it hard to describe what the residents face or suffer whenever it rains.
Mr Idris said that the completion of the stormwater project became more compelling as the destruction of properties is increasing. ‘’The floods are too heavy to withstand and can carry anything on their way. You know, water is no respecter of persons and property.’’ He praised the government for prioritising the completion of the water storm project, saying, “It is a decision well taken “.
Joseph stressed the importance of controlling the elements, most especially water and fire. ‘’That is why we are happy that the government of Delta State is urgently working on the project,’’ adding that Governor Oborevwori has proven that he is equal to the project and the task before him.
With visible progress on-site, and with the good news from the Governor that the government is not indebted to the contractors, the government appears to be saying it loud that there is no going back on the storm water project in Asaba and Warri.
‘’The state government deserves accolades and kudos for such gigantic projects that would save lives and prosperity of the residents of the Asaba and Warri communities. We praise the Sheriff Oborevwori administration for keeping hope alive. He will be remembered for the noble cause he has taken to complete.’’
