BY RITA OYIBOKA
Residents, business owners, and public transport operators in Asaba, Delta State, have expressed appreciation for the storm drainage project currently ongoing in flood-prone parts of the city, even as they appealed for its speedy completion.
One of the major sections is at St Patrick’s College (SPC) and West-End Mixed Secondary School, where excavation works have altered traffic and business flow. The project, awarded by the Delta State Government to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is aimed at tackling the persistent flooding that disrupts movement, commerce, and daily life.
Speaking with our correspondent, the Site Engineer of CCECC at the location, Mr. Timothy Ogun, explained: “This is a stormwater project covering two kilometres, running from Summit Road through Nweli Street, St Patricks College, West End Mixed Secondary School, Uche Medua Igeh Close, and very soon the section around Shoprite will also be included.
“The purpose is to channel all surface water and erosion into the Amilimocha Stream, which then carries it to the River Niger. This will provide a stable environment during the rainy season and tackle the flooding problem.” On the project timeline, Ogun said, “We have been on this project for about two months and two weeks now, and it is expected to be concluded by February 2026. So far, 60 per cent of the work has been completed.
‘’We were given 11 days to shut down the road from Inter-Bau to SPC, but exceeded that slightly. Hopefully, by next week (this week), the road will be open to users,” he said.
He acknowledged the inconvenience, adding, “Business owners complain, residents are struggling with access, but once completed, commercial activity will improve. We want to finish the section around the schools first, so the roads are motorable before resumption.”
Business owners and commuters shared mixed feelings. Maria of Queendest Beddings lamented: “Business has been boring since the excavation started. We just sit here doing nothing, except for online sales and PoS transactions.”
A tricycle operator, Mr. Peter Ogomebulem, said: “Detours are longer, fuel costs are higher, but passengers still want to pay the same fare. Some refuse to pay extra, and I lose money every day.”
A commuter who travels daily from Okpanam to Nnebisi Road, who simply identified herself as Joy, said: “Transport costs have gone up, and it now takes twice as long to get anywhere because of the traffic. The alternate routes through Anwai and Jesus Saves are just too narrow for the number of cars and tricycles struggling to pass.
“At night, it’s even worse; the roads are poorly lit, crowded, and unsafe for pedestrians. If the government can at least station traffic officers at key points to manage the chaos, it would make a big difference.”
For residents like Mrs. Josephine Monye, however, the end justifies the means: “Flooding has always been a problem from Okpanam road to Anwai to DLA axis and others. I just hope the project is completed soon. The long-term benefits will be worth the temporary inconvenience.”
