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From Paul OsuyI, Asaba
DELTA State capital, Asaba came under severe flooding on Saturday following early morning down pour that pounded the metropolis continuously for about six hours.
The flooding which did not record any casualty as such was to be known when this report was being filed, exposed the inadequacies of the state government’s flood control measures.
Sunday Sun correspondent who monitored the situation in parts of the town observed that the already de-silted drains along Okpanam Road were overwhelmed by the ravaging flood.
Fortunately, most residents of the civil servant dominated capital city were in doors apparently observing the weekend while the rains lasted.
But the metropolis was a hell of a swamp where the rain water accumulates on the roads and highway finding no drain to empty into.
From Federal medical Centre (FMC) junction to the city center at Inter-Bau by the multi million naira Asaba Mall, Okpanam road through the Legislators’ Quarters as well as DBS road and beyond, the situation was the same.
The situation put the Asaba Mall which houses the famous Shoprite and its likes, the State Police Command Headquarters, banks along Okpanam Road, the Delta Broadcasting Service premises, several privately owned business centers, schools, private residences as well as the network of roads recently commissioned by the present administration in great jeopardy.
Obviously overwhelmed by the situation, the state government, late yesterday advised residents in Asaba, to be careful in their movements with the return of torrential rain.
Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah in a statement signed by his Media Assistant, Mr. Sam Ijeh said government was concerned about the safety of all those living in the state.
The statement advised residents to avoid areas with high current of flood as it is impossible to determine one’s ability to withstand such pressure.
Mr. Ijeh stated that the state government feels the pains and inconveniences suffered by residents in terms of damage or loss of property.
He reiterated the state government’s resolve to put an end to flood issues in Asaba and environs, assuring that all contractors recently awarded drainage and flood control projects will be mobilised to site as soon as the dry season sets in.
