Okowa Commits Again to Tackle Flooding in Asaba

Asaba, Delta State Capital, yet Again was Under Flood Waters and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has once again restated his administration’s commitment to addressing the perennial flooding that has continued to ravage residents of the state capital.

Governor Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu said the State Government feels the pains and the anguish of residents who pass through horrendous times as a result of the perennial flooding in town.

“We apologise to all Deltans particularly those whose cars and houses were damaged. We seek your understanding as efforts are on to bring a lasting solution to the menace”.

But this is not the first time Okowa is making a commitment to tackling flooding in Asaba. In August 2016, the state government had restated its commitment to ensure unhindered flow of flood waters and had made perfunctory attempts to open up blocked drains and water channels in parts of the capital city.

The Director-General, Special Programme, Chief Frank Omare, who disclosed then the government’s approach to checking the flood problem in Asaba, said: “There are a good number of drains and water channels in Asaba and its environs. The governor is aware that the blocking of these drains and channels is the main cause of flooding. He has, therefore, directed regular clearing of these drains to channel the water to Anwai River.”

It is now 2017, and it appears that Okowa’s government has just realised that “directed regular clearing of these drains” is not enough to address drainage challenges in the state capital. “Our analysis of the erosion challenge revealed that we needed to undertake a major restructuring of the drainage system to accommodate the volume of water,” reads Aniagwu’s statement for Okowa.

“However, the delay in completing the drainage project was as a result of our resolve to to restructure the drains to accommodate the volume of water in addition to constructing a structure the would endure the test of time. Though we were challenged by the paucity of funds that greeted the state in more than 18 of the 24 months of our Administration, we remain committed to doing the right thing for our people.”

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