AGBARHO, DELTA STATE — A three-day heavy downpour has caused severe flooding along the Agbarho-Ughelli Road in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, disrupting vehicular movement and leaving several commuters stranded.
The flooding, which was particularly severe around the Agbarho Police Station axis, cut off a substantial portion of the busy road, forcing motorists travelling between Agbarho, Ughelli and Effurun to slow down, turn back or seek alternative routes.
The development has heightened concerns among residents and commuters over the condition of the road and the adequacy of drainage infrastructure along the route.
Several vehicles heading towards Ughelli from Effurun and Agbarho were forced to make detours after rising floodwater covered part of the road.
Commuters travelling between Agbarho and Ughelli were also left stranded, while some road users resorted to alternative routes in an attempt to continue their journeys.
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A correspondent who drove through the flooded section observed that the depth of the water made movement extremely difficult, with motorists forced to navigate the affected stretch cautiously.
One of the commuters, Francis Sadhere, who spoke to Vanguard, described the experience as difficult.
“We were stranded. The depth of the water was much, and the difficulty of getting through was not an easy one,” he said.
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Another road user, who identified himself simply as Tony, appealed to the relevant authorities to urgently address the flooding and improve the drainage system along the affected section.
He said the situation could become worse if additional rainfall occurs without urgent intervention.
When Vanguard visited the area, the affected section remained largely impassable, although traffic had begun moving slowly through portions of the flooded road.
Residents and commuters called on the Delta State Government, Federal Government and the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to urgently intervene by draining the affected areas and repairing the damaged portions of the road.
They warned that prolonged flooding could further disrupt transportation, commercial activities and the movement of people and goods along the busy corridor.
Julius Berger urged to maintain alternative roads
Meanwhile, commuters and residents in Ughelli have appealed to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. to urgently maintain and improve alternative roads around the Otovwodo axis as traffic congestion continues to worsen.
The appeal comes amid growing frustration among motorists, commercial transport operators, passengers and pedestrians who say the increasing volume of traffic around the area has turned routine journeys into lengthy and exhausting trips.
According to residents, the challenge is not only the volume of vehicles using the main route but also the poor condition of alternative roads that could help ease the pressure if properly maintained.
During peak periods, motorists are often trapped in traffic, with journeys that would ordinarily take a relatively short period stretching into hours.
Commercial drivers have complained of increased vehicle damage and fuel consumption, while passengers say prolonged delays are affecting their businesses, work and other daily activities.
A commuter, Bernard Ewofurama, said the situation had become increasingly frustrating.
“The traffic is getting worse, especially during weekends.
“If the alternative roads are properly maintained, it will make vehicle movements easier and reduce the sufferings.”
Another resident, Choice Grandball, said residents were only asking for the existing alternative roads to be made usable.
“We are not asking for anything extraordinary. If the deplorable points in the alternative roads are maintained and kept in good condition, motorists will not suffer that much.
“That will reduce the pressure and make movement easier for everyone.”
Mrs Faith Iguruwe, who lamented the condition of the roads, commended the state government for awarding the project but urged Julius Berger to ensure that alternative routes were properly maintained.
“We commend the state government for awarding this project, however Julius Berger should be able to put the alternate roads in good bearing to ease the suffering of the people, otherwise that is negligence.
“On Saturday, we suffered so much that people trekking were held up in traffic. People spent more than two hours before they could get home, because the entering points of roads are destroyed.
“Please, Julius Berger should immediately come and fix them because the suffering is getting too much,” she added.
Residents said proper maintenance of the alternative roads while construction of the Otovwodo flyover continues would provide immediate relief to road users.
They also called for improved drainage systems, clearing of roadside obstructions and regular monitoring of alternative routes to prevent further deterioration.
According to the residents, the poor state of some of the alternative roads has discouraged motorists from using them, thereby putting additional pressure on the main road.
They urged Julius Berger, relevant government agencies and community stakeholders to work together on a sustainable traffic-management plan for the area.
The residents stressed that maintenance should not be delayed until the alternative roads become completely impassable.
They called for routine grading, drainage maintenance, repairs and removal of obstructions to keep the routes functional and reduce pressure on the main road.
As the rainy season continues, commuters said urgent action was necessary to prevent further flooding, ease congestion and ensure that residents and motorists in the Agbarho-Ughelli corridor can move safely and freely.
