Abia Commences 10km Underground Drainage Project In Aba
The Abia State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Engr. Otumchere Oti, has assured that flooding will soon become a thing of the past in Aba, following the ongoing construction of a major 10-kilometre drainage tunnel designed to channel stormwater directly into the Aba River.
Oti gave the assurance on Friday in Aba during an inspection tour of key infrastructure projects being executed and supervised by the Ministry of Works, including the Aba–Owerri Road drainage works and the expansive canal and tunnel project connecting Obohia Pond, Umuagbai, Uratta and Ohanku flood-prone areas to the Aba River.
While inspecting the Aba–Owerri Road project, Oti assured that asphalting of the road will commence soon, explaining that the government is prioritising the completion of drainage works to ensure long-term durability. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work being delivered through the Ministry’s direct labour, describing the execution as solid and commendable.
At the canal and tunnel project site, being handled by Brass Construction Company, the Commissioner explained that the project was conceived to prevent the creation of new flood ponds while ensuring a permanent discharge of stormwater into the Aba River.
According to the commissioner, an existing canal conveys water from Port Harcourt Road through Uratta Pond to Umuagbai Pond, but the construction of Obohia Road redirected floodwaters to a junction where they would have accumulated and created another pond if left unaddressed.
“This canal is designed to collect all the water from Obohia Road and move it straight to the Aba River. We also decided to connect the Umuagbai Pond to this same channel so that, by the time we finish, all these areas will be reclaimed and there will be no standing water anywhere in the southern section of Aba,” he said.
Engr. Oti disclosed that the project is a two-year initiative which commenced in June, with about one year and six months remaining, adding that the pace of work suggests early completion.
He commended Brass Construction Company for adhering strictly to engineering standards, noting that the contractors were using appropriate steel and materials without compromising quality.
The Commissioner further revealed that floodwaters from Ohanku Road would also be connected to the canal, ensuring that all runoff from the southern axis of Aba is efficiently channelled into the Aba River. He added that the present administration has previously completed similar tunnel projects at College Road and Osisioma, underscoring its commitment to sustainable flood-control solutions.
On the Aba–Owerri Road, Engr. Otumchere said asphalting is expected to begin by the end of the month or early next month, adding that if drainage works take longer than anticipated, the Ministry would organise the project so that drainage and asphalting proceed simultaneously.
Also speaking during the inspection, Engr. Frank, the Site Engineer for Brass Construction Company, said the Commissioner’s visit had further validated the quality and pace of work.
“When we started this job, the Commissioner asked me on two occasions whether we were capable of handling it. I am pleased that he has come today and confirmed that we are doing a good job. We are about to introduce the third section, and by the end of March, we should be able to consolidate the sections and move forward,” he said.
The inspection reflects the Abia State Government’s resolve to permanently address flooding challenges in Aba while accelerating critical road and drainage infrastructure across the city.
