Abia State Govt Moves to Address Flooding Along Owerrinta Road, Assures Residents of Lasting Engineering Solution

The Abia State Government has reassured residents affected by flooding along the ongoing Owerrinta Road reconstruction corridor that the situation is receiving urgent attention, assuring that permanent engineering measures will be implemented before the completion of the project.

The assurance follows the circulation of a video on social media showing floodwater inundating a residential compound located along the reconstruction corridor, prompting public concern over the impact of the ongoing road works.

In a statement issued by the honourable Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the government acknowledged the hardship experienced by residents and expressed sympathy with those affected. It, however, explained that preliminary assessments indicate that the location has suffered from a long-standing topographical challenge, predating the current reconstruction project.

According to the government, the affected compound is naturally situated on a downward slope from the main roadway, making it historically vulnerable to water accumulation whenever there is prolonged or heavy rainfall. Residents and people familiar with the area, the statement noted, can attest that flooding has occurred there over the years, although the ongoing reconstruction activities have temporarily intensified the situation.

The government also addressed the political narratives that have emerged around the incident, stressing that while some individuals have attempted to politicise the flooding, the administration remains focused on addressing the facts, protecting residents and ensuring the successful delivery of quality infrastructure across the state.

It emphasized that the Owerrinta Road project is still under construction, explaining that the current phase provides engineers from the Ministry of Works and the project contractor with the opportunity to further evaluate drainage patterns and introduce any necessary engineering modifications before the project is completed.

The statement reaffirmed that the objective of reconstructing and dualising the Owerrinta Road is to improve road safety, enhance the quality of life of residents and stimulate economic activities across the corridor, rather than create inconvenience for communities.

The government further pointed to its track record of resolving similar engineering challenges, recalling that drainage issues encountered during the reconstruction of the Onuimo–Umuahia Road corridor were successfully addressed through professional engineering interventions. It assured residents that the same level of expertise and responsiveness would be deployed in resolving the current situation.

The administration also attributed the flooding partly to the unusually heavy rainfall experienced over the past two days, describing the weather conditions as exceptional. It explained that such extreme rainfall provides engineers with valuable opportunities to identify potential drainage deficiencies and make lasting corrections before project completion.

Residents of the affected area were therefore urged to remain calm, with the government pledging to work closely with the Ministry of Works and the project contractor to ensure that a comprehensive and permanent solution is delivered.

Reaffirming its commitment to sustainable infrastructure development, the Abia State Government stated that the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti remains dedicated to delivering durable, people-centred projects while safeguarding the lives, property and interests of all Abians.

The statement was signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, on July 18, 2026.