ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed confidence that the perennial 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 gave the assurance on Monday during an inspection tour of the massive stormwater drainage system that traverses Summit Road, 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, Governor Oborevwori said the project, which stretches approximately six kilometers, was strategically designed to channel stormwater from the Shoprite axis of Okpanam Road and the Interbau-Ogagifo area directly into the Amilimocha River.
“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.
He explained that the drainage system features 2.4-by-2.4-meter concrete channels in critical sections, capable of managing the heavy stormwater flow that has historically overwhelmed the city during the rainy season. According to him, even the sections already completed have brought significant relief to flood-prone areas.
“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 disclosed that the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), had assured the state government that all drainage works would be completed before the end of 2025, while asphalt overlay works would commence 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.
Oborevwori revealed that the state government had already mobilized the contractor with 40 percent of the contract sum to ensure unhindered progress, emphasizing that the government was not owing the company. He commended residents and business owners for their cooperation and patience throughout the construction period.
“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 stated.
The governor also acknowledged the efforts of his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for initiating earlier phases of the project. “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 said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable urban infrastructure, environmental safety, and people-oriented development, announcing plans to continue his monitoring visits and to flag off several new projects, including the Okpanam-Ugbolu Road construction scheduled for tomorrow.
Residents and business owners along the project corridor, who were visibly delighted by the governor’s visit, expressed gratitude for the administration’s commitment to ending the flooding menace that had plagued Asaba for decades.
With visible progress and full government funding in place, the Summit Road–Amilimocha Stream Flood Control Project is widely seen as a major step toward delivering permanent relief to the people of Asaba.
