Abia Government Reassures Residents Over Flooding Along Owerrinta Road, Promises Permanent Solution

The Abia State Government has assured residents that flooding concerns along the ongoing Owerrinta Road reconstruction corridor will be addressed as part of the road project, following the circulation of a viral video showing floodwater entering a residential compound.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the government acknowledged the incident and expressed sympathy with the affected residents, assuring the public that the situation was receiving the attention of relevant authorities.

According to the statement, preliminary observations indicate that the affected property is located on a naturally sloping terrain below the main road, making it historically prone to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

The government noted that while the ongoing reconstruction works may have temporarily worsened the situation, residents and others familiar with the area can attest that flooding has been a long standing challenge at the location.

It also dismissed political interpretations surrounding the incident, stressing that its priority remains the welfare of residents and the successful delivery of quality infrastructure rather than political distractions.

The government explained that the road project is still under construction, adding that the current phase provides engineers from the Ministry of Works and the contractor with the opportunity to assess drainage patterns and make any necessary engineering adjustments before completion.

According to the statement, the reconstruction and dualisation of the Owerrinta Road are aimed at improving road safety, enhancing the quality of life of residents, and supporting economic activities across the state.

The government recalled that similar engineering challenges encountered during the reconstruction of the Onuimo Umuahia Road corridor were successfully resolved and assured residents that the same level of professionalism would be applied to the Owerrinta project.

It further observed that the unusually heavy rainfall experienced over the past two days contributed significantly to the flooding, noting that such weather conditions also provide engineers with valuable information for identifying and addressing potential drainage deficiencies before the project is completed.

The government appealed to residents of the affected area to remain calm, assuring them that it would continue working with the Ministry of Works and the project contractor to ensure a lasting solution.

It reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti to delivering durable, people centred infrastructure while protecting the lives and property of Abia residents.