Abia Govt Promises Permanent Fix To Flooding On Owerri-Nta Road

The Abia State Government has assured residents and motorists that it will provide a lasting solution to the flooding challenges along the Owerri-Nta Road in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area as reconstruction of the road continues.

The assurance followed the circulation of a video on social media showing floodwater inundating a residential compound located along the ongoing road project.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said preliminary findings showed that the affected area has a long-standing topographical challenge due to its naturally undulating terrain.

According to him, the compound is situated on a downward slope from the main road, making it vulnerable to water accumulation and flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, even before the commencement of the reconstruction work.

Kanu acknowledged that the ongoing construction activities had temporarily worsened the situation but stressed that the issue would be addressed before the project is completed.

He explained that engineers from the Ministry of Works and the project contractor would further assess the drainage pattern and implement necessary engineering adjustments to ensure the completed road effectively resolves the flooding concerns.

The commissioner urged residents not to politicise the incident, stating that the government remains focused on protecting residents’ welfare and delivering quality infrastructure.

He noted that similar drainage challenges encountered during the reconstruction of the Onuimo–Umuahia Road corridor were successfully resolved and expressed confidence that the same level of professionalism would be applied to the Owerri-Nta project.

Kanu also attributed the recent flooding to unusually heavy rainfall recorded over the past two days, describing the weather conditions as an opportunity for engineers to identify and correct drainage deficiencies before the road is completed.

He reaffirmed that the objective of the road reconstruction and dualisation project is to improve road safety, enhance economic activities and improve the quality of life of residents without creating avoidable environmental challenges.

The Abia State Government, he added, will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Works and the contractor to ensure the flooding issue is comprehensively resolved, while calling on residents to remain calm.