The Abia State Government has reassured residents affected by flooding along the ongoing reconstruction of the Owerrinta Road corridor that the problem is temporary and will be resolved before the project is completed.
The assurance was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, after a viral video showed floodwater entering a residential compound located along the road.
“While empathising with the affected residents, the Government wishes to assure the public that the situation is receiving attention and will be adequately addressed as part of the ongoing road construction project,” the statement read.
The government explained that the flooding resulted from the area’s natural topography, noting that the affected compound had been prone to flooding for years because it is located on a downward slope from the main roadway.
“Preliminary observations indicate that the affected location has a long-standing topographical challenge arising from its naturally undulating terrain.
“Residents and those familiar with the area can attest to the fact that the location has experienced flooding over the years, although the ongoing reconstruction works have temporarily amplified the situation,” it noted.
The government also rejected political narratives surrounding the incident, maintaining that its primary concern remained the well-being of residents and the successful completion of the project.
“The Government remains focused on facts, the welfare of residents, and the successful delivery of quality infrastructure rather than political distractions,” it stated.
The statement added that the road project was still in progress, noting that the current phase of construction gives engineers the opportunity to assess the drainage network and carry out any necessary modifications before the project is completed.
“It is important to note that the road project is still under construction. Consequently, the present stage of work provides the Ministry of Works and the project contractor with the opportunity to further assess the drainage pattern and implement any necessary engineering adjustments to ensure that the completed project effectively addresses the concerns raised,” the government said.
It emphasised that the reconstruction and dualisation of the road were designed to improve the standard of living of residents, promote road safety and boost economic activities.
“The objective of the reconstruction and dualisation of the road is to improve the quality of life of the people of Abia State, enhance road safety, and facilitate economic activities, not to create hardship for residents,” the statement added.
The government recalled that comparable engineering challenges encountered during the reconstruction of the Onuimo–Umuahia Road corridor were successfully addressed and pledged to apply the same level of expertise to the Owerrinta Road project.
It further attributed the flooding to the unusually heavy rainfall experienced over the last two days.
“The Government also notes that the past two days have witnessed unusually heavy rainfall, a natural phenomenon that has contributed significantly to the flooding observed,” it stated, adding that such weather conditions provide engineers with valuable insights to identify and correct drainage deficiencies before project completion.
The government appealed to affected residents to remain calm, assuring them that officials were already working towards a permanent solution.
“Residents of the affected area are therefore encouraged to remain calm and be assured that the Abia State Government will work closely with the Ministry of Works and the contractor to ensure that the issue is comprehensively resolved,” the statement said.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment, the government added, “The administration of His Excellency Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering durable, people-centred infrastructure while protecting the lives, property, and interests of all Abians.”
