29/09/2026
Flooding in Delta State is not simply a natural disaster. In many communities, it is also a consequence of poor planning, poor drainage infrastructure and government failure to act.
Take Ohwase Junction along Udu Road, for example. This is an upland area, less than a kilometre from the Udu River, yet it experiences serious flooding whenever there is heavy rainfall.
The Udu Express junction to Udu river is less than two kilometer, there is no drainage in this area to channel the water to the river. Whose fault is this?
The question is: How does an upland area so close to a natural waterway become heavily flooded?
One major factor is the drainage system. Poorly constructed or inadequate drainage prevents water from flowing properly into the natural waterways.
Look at what is happening around Agbarho Bridge on the East-West Road. The road is showing signs of serious deterioration, while flooding has become a major concern in the area. There are also concerns about dredging activities and their possible impact on the surrounding environment and infrastructure.
The relevant environmental authorities cannot afford to ignore these concerns. Where dredging activities are permitted, there should be proper environmental assessment, monitoring and enforcement to ensure that they do not create additional risks for surrounding communities.
In Warri metropolis, many drainage channels are poorly constructed, inadequate or blocked, yet the flooding problem persists year after year.
I personally visited a street in Okumagba Layout last December, and almost the entire street was covered with water. There's no flooding last year December yet that particular street and other ajoining streets were affected.
Delta State receives ecological funds meant to address environmental challenges such as flooding and erosion. The people therefore have a legitimate right to ask how those resources are being deployed to tackle flooding, drainage and other environmental problems.
Government cannot continue to blame rainfall while ignoring infrastructure that is supposed to manage stormwater.
Flooding requires planning. It requires functioning drainage systems. It requires environmental monitoring. And, most importantly, it requires the government to take responsibility.
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