“Road Failures Are Effects Of Natural Disasters” — Soludo Blames Flooding, Underground Water For Damaged Anambra Roads

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has attributed the failure of several sections of road projects across the state to natural disasters, underground water and unfavourable weather conditions.

The governor, who did not provide specific details of the natural disasters, including when, where and how they affected the roads, maintained that his administration had executed quality projects across the state.

Soludo’s position was conveyed by the Commissioner for Works, Okey Ezeobi, an architect, during a press conference held in his office on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, where he addressed concerns surrounding the state government’s road projects.

Several residents have criticised the quality of road and bridge projects executed by the Soludo administration, alleging poor construction standards. Some critics have described the affected roads as “biscuit roads” because of their deterioration.

Others have taken to social media to share photographs and videos of damaged roads in support of their allegations.

Responding to the criticisms, Ezeobi maintained that contractors engaged by the state government had carried out their assignments in accordance with approved specifications and that adequate supervision was provided to ensure quality construction.

He attributed the deterioration of some roads to natural disasters, particularly heavy rainfall and flooding.

“Now, what has been the reason for these failures that we are seeing across the state? You know, in Anambra and in most parts of Nigeria, we are not used to natural disasters. But the failures you are seeing on our roads are an effect of a natural disaster,” he explained.

The commissioner also referred to warnings issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) concerning possible flash floods in 13 states between August 11 and 20, 2026, as well as earlier warnings about heavy rainfall.

He maintained that the flooding and increased volume of rainfall contributed to the deterioration of roads in parts of Anambra State.

“Earlier in the year, NiMet warned us, Nigerians, and warned Anambra that there was going to be huge flooding this year, that the flood this year would be like no other; that we should get ready to manage emergency situations, the volume of flood, the volume of rainfall, the volume of precipitation per minute. That warning came early this year.

“Now, we have not asked ourselves, where did that flood go to, all that water? It went underground. And if you know what you know about water, it starts to come up eventually, go back to where it came from and rain again. So, our earth in Anambra, in most cases, is well soaked with water.

“I don’t need to begin to say that these failures are general, not only in Anambra. It’s just because of the political atmosphere. Across, I don’t want to begin to call names, but even Federal Government projects.

“The rain this year is heavy. The water is underground. The water has to come up, especially on roads along already flood-prone areas,” he explained.

Ezeobi maintained that road failures were not peculiar to Anambra State, noting that similar problems had affected projects in other parts of the country, including those undertaken by the Federal Government.

He also suggested that the criticisms directed at the Soludo administration were partly influenced by the prevailing political atmosphere.

The commissioner, however, assured Anambra residents that the state government would address their concerns, stressing that the administration remained committed to delivering quality infrastructure capable of standing the test of time.

He further cautioned residents against dumping refuse in waterways and drainage channels, warning that such practices obstructed the free flow of water and contributed to road deterioration across the state.

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