The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has reaffirmed Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s firm commitment to the timely completion of the ongoing multi-billion-naira Asaba flood control and erosion management project.
Speaking during inspection tour of the project sites, Comrade Izeze said the intervention, which cuts across major flood-prone corridors in the state capital, has recorded substantial progress and remains on course for delivery ahead of the peak of the rainy season.
The project corridor covers the Shoprite area, Inter-Bua Roundabout, Izuka Okolo Street, Egagifo Street, DBS Road, St. Patrick’s College across Nnebisi Road, and extends to the discharge point at Nkemakonam Ijeh Close, terminating at the Amilimocha River.
It is designed to safely channel stormwater away from communities that have suffered persistent flooding and erosion for decades.
According to Izeze, Governor Oborevwori has once again demonstrated uncommon courage and resolve by confronting long-standing environmental challenges in Asaba, contrary to early speculations that the state capital would be neglected after he assumed office.
“There were naysayers who believed that once he became governor, Asaba would be abandoned. But the Governor promised Deltans that he would do more, and one of his clear commitments was to complete all inherited projects,” he said.
He described the project as critical to residents of Asaba, noting that it finally addresses the stormwater challenge around the Shoprite axis, an issue that has persisted for over two decades.
“This project is very important to Asaba residents because it tackles the stormwater problem around the Shoprite area, where people have complained for more than 20 years,” Izeze added.
The Commissioner explained that the drainage system is designed to collect stormwater from multiple catchment areas, including the Shoprite axis and adjoining neighbourhoods, convey it past St. Patrick’s College, and discharge it safely into the Amilimocha River.
He said special engineering measures were incorporated to safeguard the environment at the discharge point.
Izeze disclosed that the project, awarded between May and June last year, has reached about 72 per cent completion, describing the progress as “reasonable and appreciable.”
He expressed optimism that contractors would intensify efforts to complete the work before the rains peak.
“We have reviewed some grey areas, particularly the catchment pit near the Inter-Bua Roundabout and the discharge strategy. The consultants have explained the inclusion of wing walls and buffer structures to reduce flow rates and prevent environmental damage.
“We have directed the contractors to strictly adhere to the approved design. They have a contract and must keep the terms they willingly agreed to,” he stated.
He added that officials of the ministry, consultants, and contractors were all present on site to ensure effective supervision and synergy, stressing that the Oborevwori administration is committed to treating all parts of Delta State equitably, without neglect or interruption.
Also speaking, the Director of Urban Roads in the Ministry, Engr. Victor Oputa, said the project, being executed by CCECC, comprises underground sewers and surface drains along Summit Road and surrounding areas.
“The underground sewer is designed to collect stormwater from adjoining streets along Summit Road, through St. Patrick’s College and across Nnebisi Road, down to Amilimocha.
“The underground component has been completed, and most of the surface drains are also done. What remains are finishing works,” Oputa explained.
He noted that Asaba’s low-lying topography makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding, especially when rainfall occurs in neighbouring upland communities such as Okpanam, from where runoff naturally flows into the capital.
He said the current project complements earlier interventions by previous administrations and closes critical gaps in the drainage network.
“This project will address ponding in front of Shoprite, FSP School, Egagifo Road, Eru Club Road, and other adjoining streets. It will also link areas such as Jesus Saves, DLA, and surrounding roads to the main drain. It will significantly reduce erosion and flooding in Asaba and its environs,” he said.
On completion timelines, Engr. Oputa confirmed that the project is about 72 per cent complete and expressed confidence that, barring unforeseen challenges, the remaining works would be concluded before the rainy season sets in fully, leaving only minor finishing touches.
