NEWS
Abia Moves to Tackle Perennial Flooding in Ogurube, Ehimiri Layouts, Atta Emede
The Abia State Government has stepped up efforts to address perennial flooding and erosion across parts of Umuahia, with Governor Alex Otti directing the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee to develop a lasting solution to the recurring challenge in Ogurube and Ehimiri layouts.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, while briefing pressmen on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
According to the Commissioner, the committee will comprise the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) and the Ministries of Works, Environment and Lands, with a two-week deadline to submit its report and recommendations on how best to tackle the flooding problem.
The move comes amid continuing concerns over flooding in parts of Umuahia, particularly around the Ogurube and Ehimiri axes. Earlier interventions in the area have also focused on protecting natural waterways and improving drainage infrastructure, following concerns that developments around waterways have contributed to water-logging and flooding.
Beyond Ogurube and Ehimiri, the state government is also implementing measures to control flooding and erosion in Atta Emede Ibeku, where significant progress has been recorded on ongoing intervention works.
Prince Kanu said clearing of erosion sites in the area had reached 100 per cent, while lateral filling stood at 90 per cent. He further disclosed that drainage excavation had reached 95 per cent, with drainage concreting currently at 90 per cent.
The Commissioner also revealed that the government was extending attention to housing estates and residential areas requiring intervention, including the World Bank Housing Estates in Aba and Umuahia, as well as IBB Layout.
He explained that NEEDS assessments and preliminary interventions were already underway in the affected housing areas, with the objective of identifying critical challenges and improving living conditions for residents.
The latest measures form part of the state government’s broader response to flooding, erosion and drainage challenges, as Abia continues to experience heavy rainfall and associated flood risks. NiMet’s October 1–10, 2026 outlook has also highlighted probable flash-flood risks during the period.
With the Inter-Ministerial Committee expected to submit its report within two weeks, attention is now focused on the recommendations that will emerge and the measures required to provide a more enduring solution to flooding in Ogurube an
d Ehimiri layouts.