Abia Says Owerrinta Flooding Is Temporary, Blames Terrain And Heavy Rainfall

The Abia State Government says flooding reported around the ongoing Owerrinta Road reconstruction corridor is temporary and will be addressed as the project continues.

The clarification followed complaints and a viral video showing floodwater in a residential compound along the road in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu said preliminary checks showed the affected location had a long-standing terrain problem because the compound sits on a downward slope from the main road.

He said heavy rainfall and the ongoing reconstruction works had temporarily worsened flooding in the area, but added that the government was already looking at the situation as part of the road project.

Kanu said the dualisation of Owerrinta Road was meant to improve movement, safety and quality of life for residents, and urged that the flooding complaint should not be politicised.

The government also empathised with affected residents and said the drainage concerns would be addressed before the project is completed.

Sources: Daily Post, Punch