35 Years of Transformative Development: Asaba and Environs [Part 2]

Asaba has remarkably evolved into the "home of Nollywood," second only to Lagos. The city attracts hundreds of film productions annually due to its calm neighborhoods, lower production costs, and scenic landscapes along the Niger. This has given rise to a thriving hospitality industry, bustling nightlife, and a vibrant youth culture. Historically the domain of the Anioma (Enuani-speaking Igbo) people, Asaba's status as a state capital has attracted a massive influx of civil servants, traders, and investors from across Delta State and the rest of Nigeria. It now boasts a diverse, cosmopolitan population of over half a million people, making it a melting pot of cultures.

Establishment of the Capital Territory Delta State Development Agency

The game changer for the transformation of Asaba as a capital city came on June 3, 2015, then-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa signed the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA) Law into action.The agency was born to address the rapid physical and environmental challenges in the state capital, Asaba. It was legally mandated to formulate development policies, create a master plan for the capital territory, and resolve ecological and environmental challenges. The agency focuses heavily on road construction, storm water management, public health, power generation, and urban beautification to ensure Asaba wears a befitting look. Chief Clement Ofuani was appointed as the pioneer Director-General of the agency during its rollout. In Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa's second term, Rt. Hon. Joan Onyemaechi, more popularly known as Ada Anioma, was appointed the next Director General.

Accomplishments

The Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA) drives the transformation of Asaba and its environs into a modern, integrated municipality. Key accomplishments include the construction of over 70 km of roads and 20 km of drains, continuous urban cleanup operations, and strict enforcement of environmental laws.

The agency has successfully executed and monitored the construction of over 70 kilometres of roads within the capital territory to ease traffic and improve connectivity, while actively developing and marking strategic car parks in Asaba.

To combat flooding, the agency constructed over 20 kilometres of drains and conducts comprehensive, ongoing desilting and evacuation operations along major routes.

Task forces regularly dismantle illegal roadside structures and clear illegal refuse dumps. The agency also prosecutes business operators and individuals who violate environmental regulations or trade on pedestrian setbacks.

The DSCTDA has expanded city beautification efforts, employing street sweepers and landscaping major roundabouts.

The agency is directly involved in managing new city housing plans, implementing urban master plans, and facilitating public facilities such as the Asaba Vaults and Gardens.

Impact on neighbouring communities

Neighboring communities such as Okpanam, Ugbolu, and Ibusa have benefited from the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency through a significant expansion of urban infrastructure, specifically massive road networks, storm water management, and improved public sanitation.The agency’s urban renewal and development initiatives have brought the following impacts to these surrounding towns:

The agency has desilted and constructed major kilometers of roads and concrete drainage systems, which has significantly reduced traffic congestion and provided smoother travel into the heart of Asaba.

Extensive desilting and storm water control operations were deployed across major hubs to mitigate flooding and prevent the destruction of properties. The modernization and construction of large markets (such as the new Asaba International Market accommodating over 600 shops) have provided traders with conducive, centralized environments for business.

To be continued

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35 Years of Transformative Development: Asaba and environs [Part 3]

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