Flooding, Traffic Paralysis Hit Ughelli as Residents Urge Julius Berger to Fix Alternative Roads

Three days of heavy rainfall have caused severe flooding along parts of the Agbarho-Ughelli Road in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, disrupting traffic and leaving motorists and commuters stranded.

The worst-affected section is around the Agbarho Police Station, where rising floodwater cut off part of the road and made movement extremely difficult.

Motorists travelling from Effurun and Agbarho towards Ughelli were forced to seek alternative routes after floodwater covered a significant portion of the highway. Others were left stranded as they struggled to navigate the affected stretch.

A commuter, Francis Sadhere, described the experience as difficult, saying, “We were stranded. The depth of the water was much, and the difficulty of getting through was not an easy one.”

Another road user, who identified himself as Tony, called for urgent intervention from the authorities, particularly improvements to drainage around the affected section.

A visit to the area showed that while traffic had started moving slowly through the flooded portion, some parts of the road remained difficult to pass. Residents warned that further rainfall could worsen the situation and cause more disruption to transportation and economic activities.

They appealed to the Delta State Government, Federal Government and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to urgently address the affected section, improve drainage and prevent a recurrence.

Residents Demand Alternative-Road Maintenance

The flooding has added to existing traffic concerns in Ughellhi, where commuters and residents are also asking Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. to urgently repair and maintain alternative roads around the Otovwodo axis.

The appeal comes as construction work on the Otovwodo flyover continues, with increasing traffic volumes putting additional pressure on the available routes.

Residents said properly maintained alternative roads could help ease congestion, but several access points and sections of the routes are currently in poor condition.

Commercial drivers have complained about increased vehicle damage and fuel consumption, while passengers say prolonged delays are affecting work, businesses and other daily activities.

Bernard Ewofurama, a commuter, 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,” he said.

Another resident, Choice Grandball, said residents were only asking for the damaged sections of the alternative routes to be repaired and maintained.

“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,” Grandball said.

Faith Iguruwe commended the state government for awarding the flyover project but urged Julius Berger to ensure that alternative routes remain usable throughout the construction period.

She said commuters had experienced severe delays, with some people spending more than two hours trying to get home because of damaged road entrances.

Residents said regular grading, drainage maintenance, repairs and the removal of roadside obstructions would help keep the alternative routes functional and reduce pressure on the main road.

They also called on government agencies, Julius Berger and community stakeholders to develop a sustainable traffic-management plan for the area, warning that waiting until the alternative roads become completely impassable would only worsen the hardship faced by motorists and residents.