Commuters and motorists travelling along the Agbarho-Ughelli Road in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State have been left stranded following heavy rainfall that caused severe flooding on parts of the busy route.
The downpour, which lasted for three days, resulted in flooding around the Agbarho Police Station, with rising water covering a significant portion of the road and making movement difficult for road users.
Several motorists travelling from Effurun and Agbarho towards Ughelli were forced to seek alternative routes after floodwater cut off part of the road.
Although traffic was gradually moving when the road was visited, some sections remained difficult to pass, while motorists struggled to navigate the flooded areas.
A commuter, Francis Sadhere, described the situation as difficult, saying many road users were forced to wait for the floodwater to recede.
“We were stranded. The depth of the water was much, and the difficulty of getting through was not an easy one,” he said.
Another road user, who identified himself as Tony, appealed to the relevant authorities to urgently address the flooding and improve drainage facilities along the affected section.
Residents expressed concern that further rainfall could worsen the situation, particularly because of what they described as inadequate drainage around the road.
They called on the Delta State Government, Federal Government and Niger Delta Development Commission to intervene by draining the affected areas and repairing the damaged portions of the road.
Residents urge Julius Berger to maintain alternative routes
Meanwhile, residents and commuters in Ughelli have urged Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to urgently rehabilitate and maintain alternative roads around the Otovwodo axis to ease the growing traffic congestion in the area.
The appeal comes amid increasing traffic caused by ongoing construction activities, with commuters complaining that poor alternative routes are worsening the hardship faced by motorists, commercial transport operators and pedestrians.
Road users said the condition of some alternative routes had made it difficult for motorists to avoid the main road, resulting in long delays, increased fuel consumption and frequent vehicle damage.
A commuter, Bernard Ewofurama, said the situation had become particularly frustrating during peak periods and weekends.
“The traffic is getting worse, especially during weekends.
“If the alternative roads are properly maintained, it will make vehicle movements easier and reduce the suffering,” he said.
Another resident, Choice Grandball, said the authorities did not need to do anything extraordinary to ease the situation, but should ensure that the bad portions of the alternative roads were repaired and kept motorable.
“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,” he said.
Mrs Faith Iguruwe also appealed to Julius Berger to ensure that the alternative routes were maintained while work continued on the Otovwodo flyover.
“We commend the state government for awarding this project. However, Julius Berger should be able to put the alternative roads in good condition to ease the suffering of the people.
“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 entry points to the roads are destroyed.
“Please, Julius Berger should immediately come and fix them because the suffering is getting too much,” she said.
Residents said proper maintenance of the alternative roads would provide immediate relief to commuters while construction work on the Otovwodo flyover continues.
They also called for improved drainage systems, removal of roadside obstructions and regular maintenance of the alternative routes.
According to them, routine grading, drainage work and repairs should be carried out before the roads become completely impassable.
The residents further urged Julius Berger, government agencies and community stakeholders to work together on a sustainable traffic-management plan for the area to reduce the hardship faced by commuters.
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