The Abia State Government has assured residents that concerns over flooding along the ongoing Owerrinta Road reconstruction corridor are receiving urgent attention and will be permanently addressed as part of the project.
In a press release signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the government acknowledged a viral social media video showing floodwater entering a residential compound along the road. It expressed sympathy with the affected residents while assuring the public that the issue is being carefully assessed.
According to the government, preliminary findings indicate that the affected property is located on a naturally low-lying section of land that has experienced flooding for many years during periods of heavy rainfall. Officials explained that the ongoing reconstruction work may have temporarily worsened the situation but stressed that engineers are using the opportunity to study drainage patterns and implement necessary improvements before the project is completed.
The government also cautioned against politicising the incident, stating that its priority remains the safety and welfare of residents, as well as the successful delivery of quality infrastructure.
It further noted that the unusually heavy rainfall recorded over the past two days significantly contributed to the flooding, adding that such weather conditions help engineers identify drainage weaknesses that can be corrected before the project is finished.
Drawing comparisons with similar drainage challenges successfully resolved during the reconstruction of the Onuimo–Umuahia Road corridor, the government expressed confidence that the Owerrinta Road project would receive the same level of professional attention.
The Abia State Government urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the Ministry of Works and the project contractor will work together to ensure a comprehensive and lasting solution.
The statement reaffirmed Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti’s administration’s commitment to delivering durable, people-centred infrastructure while safeguarding the lives and property of Abians.
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