Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has assured residents of Asaba that the era of devastating floods in the state capital is coming to an end.
He made the declaration following the steady progress of the ongoing multi-billion-naira stormwater drainage project being executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
Speaking during an inspection of the extensive flood control network on Monday, the governor expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work, noting that the project was designed to provide a permanent solution to the perennial flooding that had plagued Asaba for decades.
“The only way to permanently solve the flooding challenge in this area is to take the water straight to the river,” Gov. Oborevwori said.
“The drains here are very deep, about six meters underground, and that is what makes this solution sustainable.”
He explained that the project, measuring about 6.5 kilometers, channels floodwater from the Shoprite axis of Okpanam Road and the Interbau-Ogagifo area through Summit Road,
Nwelih Street, St. Patrick’s College, West-End Mixed Secondary School, Anwai Road, and Uche Medua Igeh before discharging into the Amilimocha River in Oshimili South Local Government Area.
According to the governor, the drainage system features massive 2.4-by-2.4-metre concrete channels at critical sections to efficiently handle stormwater volume during the rainy season.
He noted that even the sections already completed have significantly reduced flooding in major parts of the city.
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“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,” Gov. Oborevwori assured.
The governor disclosed that the CCECC had pledged to deliver all stormwater drainage works before the end of 2025, with asphalt overlay expected to 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.
Gov. Oborevwori further revealed that the state government had already mobilized the contractor with 40 percent of the contract sum, ensuring unhindered progress on-site.
He emphasized that the government is not owing the contractor and expressed delight at the cooperation of residents and business owners affected by the project.
“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 commended his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for initiating major flood control interventions in Asaba.
“For almost 10 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,” he said.
“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,” Gov. Oborevwori added.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable urban infrastructure, environmental safety, and people-oriented governance, assuring that regular project inspections would continue to ensure quality delivery across the state.
The governor also announced that he would flag off the construction of the 11.7-kilometre Okpanam–Ugbolu Road on Tuesday, as part of his administration’s broader push for infrastructural renewal.
Residents and business owners along the project corridor, who trooped out to welcome the governor, expressed gratitude to the state government for addressing the decades-long menace of flooding that had disrupted their lives and businesses.
