The Abia State Government has assured residents affected by flooding along the ongoing Owerrinta Road reconstruction corridor that the situation is temporary and will be addressed before the completion of the project.
The government gave the assurance in a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, following the circulation of a viral video showing floodwater within a residential compound 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 attributed the flooding to the area’s natural terrain, saying the affected compound had long been vulnerable to flooding because it sits on a downward slope from the main road.
“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 dismissed political interpretations surrounding the incident, insisting that its priority remained the welfare of residents and the successful execution 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 noted that the road project was still under construction, explaining that the current phase of work would allow engineers to review the drainage system and make necessary adjustments before completion.
“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 stressed that the reconstruction and dualisation of the road were intended to improve residents’ quality of life, enhance road safety and support 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 similar engineering concerns encountered during the reconstruction of the Onuimo–Umuahia Road corridor had been successfully resolved and pledged to apply the same level of professionalism to the Owerrinta Road project.
It further blamed the flooding on the unusually heavy rainfall recorded over the past 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 urged affected residents to remain calm, assuring them that officials were already working on 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.
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.”
