Government says temporary flooding along the Owerrinta Road reconstruction corridor will be resolved before the project is completed

The Abia State Government has assured residents affected by flooding along the Owerrinta Road reconstruction corridor that the problem is temporary and will be fully addressed before the ongoing road project is completed.

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The assurance followed the circulation of a viral video showing floodwater entering a residential compound located along the road, prompting public concern over the impact of the reconstruction work.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, said the government sympathised with the affected residents and had already directed attention to the issue.

“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 said.

Addressing concerns over the Owerrinta Road flooding, the government explained that the affected location has experienced flooding for years because of its natural terrain and that the ongoing construction had only temporarily intensified the situation.

“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,” the statement added.

The government also dismissed attempts to politicise the incident, maintaining that its focus remained on protecting residents and delivering quality infrastructure.

“The Government remains focused on facts, the welfare of residents, and the successful delivery of quality infrastructure rather than political distractions,” it stated.

Officials noted that the Owerrinta Road project remains under construction, explaining that the current phase gives engineers the opportunity to review the drainage design and make any necessary modifications before the road 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 statement said.

According to the government, the reconstruction and dualisation of the road are intended to improve road safety, ease transportation and stimulate economic activities across the area rather than create hardship for residents.

“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,” it added.

The statement recalled that similar engineering challenges encountered during the reconstruction of the Onuimo-Umuahia Road corridor were successfully resolved and expressed confidence that the same professional approach would be applied to the Owerrinta project.

The government also attributed the latest flooding to the intense rainfall recorded over the past two days, noting that such weather conditions provide engineers with valuable opportunities to identify weaknesses in drainage systems before construction is finalised.

“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,” the statement said.

It added that the experience would enable the Ministry of Works and the contractor to refine the drainage infrastructure to ensure the completed road performs effectively during future rainy seasons.

The government urged residents of the affected communities to remain calm, assuring them that officials were working closely with the contractor to deliver a lasting 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.

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Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, the government said Governor Alex Chioma Otti remained focused on delivering durable, people-centred projects that safeguard lives, property and the long-term interests of Abia residents.