By Owho Warri
A major section of the East-West Road at Uvwiama/Orido Junction, along the Agbarho-Ughelli axis of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, has collapsed following days of heavy rainfall and flooding.
The road failure has disrupted movement along the busy route, leaving motorists stranded and causing traffic congestion as vehicles struggle to pass through the only remaining usable lane.
The situation worsened on 29 September after a fuel tanker fell at the already weakened section of the road on 28, September evening.
The continued rainfall and rising floodwaters had caused a major portion of the lane to collapse, as efforts were still ongoing to remove the tanker from the affected section, while residents and motorists gathered at the scene.
Inview of the deplorable nature of the collapsed section of the road,Policemen were deployed to strategic points around the area to control traffic and prevent further congestion.
A motorist, Jacob, expressed concern that the remaining lane could also give way.
«“We are seriously worried because only one lane is still passable, and the traffic is already building up. If this remaining lane fails, this road will be completely cut off.”»
A road user blamed the situation on inadequate drainage, saying the existing drainage system could not cope with the volume of floodwater.
«“This water has nowhere to go. The drainage is not enough for the volume of water we are seeing. Government needs to act quickly before we have a major disaster,” he said.»
The development has also affected businesses and daily activities around the junction, with residents and traders worried about prolonged disruption if the road remains impassable.
A food seller claimed that an Okada rider narrowly escaped being swept into the moving floodwater around the failed section on Tuesday afternoon.
Vehicles heading towards Bayelsa and other parts of the Southsouth were reportedly taking longer alternative routes, while those still using the East-West Road faced delays on the remaining passable lane.
Residents and motorists appealed to relevant authorities to urgently intervene, warning that continued traffic on the weakened section could trigger further collapse.
No fatality had been reported as of the time of filing this report.
Meantime, the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has ordered Julius Berger PLC to fix the affected area of the collapsed section.
Motorists, commercial transport operators and other road users were urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid the collapsed section until it is declared safe.