Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has initiated the construction of a 20km storm drainage system aimed at addressing severe flooding in Osubi, Ugolo-Okpe, Okuokoko, and surrounding communities within Okpe Local Government Area. The project, part of the governor’s MORE Agenda, is designed to provide long-term solutions to the perennial flooding challenges that have hampered development in the region.
During an inspection of the project’s discharge point in Ugolo-Okpe on Tuesday, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, highlighted the importance of the initiative. He noted that the storm drainage system is modeled after similar successful projects in Asaba and is expected to prevent homes and roads from being submerged during the rainy season.
Aniagwu explained that the first phase of the project, incorporating underground stormwater drains, open channels, and trapezoidal drains, will be completed by 2025. The innovative design ensures the drainage infrastructure will be discreetly installed underground in some areas, while other sections will feature visible open channels for optimal flood management.
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The commissioner praised the progress made so far and commended the contractor for the quality and pace of the work. However, he urged an acceleration of the construction timeline to minimize inconvenience for residents in the affected areas. Aniagwu acknowledged the temporary disruptions caused by the project but appealed for residents’ patience, emphasizing that the project is essential for improving their living conditions and promoting development in the region.
Governor Oborevwori’s administration has also prioritized funding for the project, ensuring steady financial support for its completion. Aniagwu assured that the governor’s commitment to funding infrastructure projects statewide remains unwavering, reflecting his dedication to meaningful development.
In addition to the storm drainage project, the commissioner inspected other infrastructure works, including the Esezi Road in Orerokpe, the Orerokpe-Okuloho-Oviri-Okpe-Aragba-Okpe Road in Okpe Local Government Area, and the Old Abraka-Eku Road in Ethiope East Local Government Area. At Abraka, the President-General of the Oruarivie-Abraka Kingdom, Chief Ovie Emudainohwo, lauded the governor’s intervention, describing the remedial works on the road as a significant step forward for the community.
