Blocked Drainages Threaten Onitsha–Owerri Road as Activist Calls on Umahi, Soludo to Act

By Our Reporter

Anambra social media activist, Mr. Kamsoluchukwu Simon Oguka has raised the alarm over blocked drainage channels along the Onitsha–Owerri Expressway, warning that poor maintenance could worsen flooding, traffic congestion and damage to the major road corridor.

Oguka made the call in a Facebook post on Monday, August 24, 2026, accompanied by a video showing drainage channels reportedly filled to capacity along the road near the Tiger Foods area.

According to him, the blocked drains are contributing significantly to the recurring flooding experienced along the busy expressway whenever there is heavy rainfall.

“All the gutters along Onitsha/Owerri are filled to the top,” Oguka stated, warning that the condition could lead to flooding that damages the road and properties.

He further alleged that flooding along the corridor frequently causes severe traffic congestion and puts motorists, businesses and residents at risk.

“This filled gutter is the major cause of floods in Onitsha/Owerri Road that damage the road, cause serious traffic during the rain and damage a lot of people’s businesses, properties, including cars trapped during the rain,” he said.

Oguka urged relevant authorities to act before the situation deteriorates further, particularly amid the ongoing concerns over flooding across parts of Anambra State.

He specifically called on the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the Anambra State Ministry of Environment and the Anambra State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to intervene.

He also drew attention to the stretch from Ngbuka Obosi Last Gate Bus Stop to Tarzan, Upper Iweka, describing the condition of the drainage infrastructure in the area as “terrible.”

The activist stressed that regular maintenance of drainage channels should be treated as a priority, noting that effective drainage management could reduce the impact of flooding on the road and surrounding communities.

“In a time like this when floods are wreaking havoc in Anambra State, all drainages should be maintained to reduce the effects of floods on people’s lives and properties,” Oguka said.

The Onitsha–Owerri corridor is an important transport route connecting major commercial and residential areas in Anambra State. Continued blockage of drainage infrastructure along the route could have implications for road durability, traffic flow and the safety of commuters during heavy rainfall.

The concerns raised by Oguka call attention to the need for sustained inspection, desilting and maintenance of drainage channels, rather than waiting for flooding to cause extensive damage before intervention.

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