Residents in Abobo, a densely populated commune in northern Abidjan, say a Chinese-built drainage project is transforming daily life after years of destructive seasonal flooding that repeatedly damaged homes, blocked roads and disrupted businesses.

Following heavy rainfall earlier this month, streets in the area quickly returned to normal, with newly constructed drainage canals rapidly redirecting stormwater that previously left parts of the community submerged.

“Today, even during the rainy season, you can clearly see that there is no longer stagnant water nearby and houses are no longer flooded as before,” said Bienvenu Yovo, who has worked as a translator on the project since 2021.

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire’s economic capital, experiences intense seasonal rainfall and has long struggled with urban flooding, particularly in low-lying and densely populated communities such as Abobo, home to more than 1.5 million people.

Residents say roads frequently became impassable during storms, while mud, debris and waste accumulated after flooding, creating health and safety concerns.

The transformation followed the construction of a large-scale urban drainage project carried out by Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina).

The project included the development of a 7.7-kilometre drainage network comprising canals and culverts, along with road upgrades, street lighting, public toilets, leisure spaces, and sports facilities.

Local student Onezy Sahi said the improvements are already visible across the community.

“When the project started, this area was constantly flooded during the rainy season,” he said. “But since the works were completed, we can clearly see that flooding has decreased. The neighbourhood is now well arranged, and it has greatly benefited the people of Abobo.”

He added that football and basketball facilities, green spaces and public amenities have also helped improve community life.

“It is beautiful to see, and people come here a lot for recreation,” he said.

Boys play football at a football field along a newly-built drainage channel in the Abobo commune in northern Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, April 22, 2026." (Zhang Jian, NNA News)

Project manager Zhang Lidong said the drainage infrastructure had already proven effective during the current rainy season.

“Before the arrival of the rainy season in May in Abidjan, the seven completed drainage sections had already demonstrated their ability to withstand urban flooding and meet water discharge requirements,” he said.

The success of the project has also led to additional cooperation, with PowerChina now overseeing another drainage development project in the Cocody commune of Abidjan.

For small business owners in Abobo, residents say the improved infrastructure is also helping economic activity recover.

Welder Ziepe Soro said customers can now access his workshop more easily during rainy periods.

“Here in Abobo, the rain used to cause a lot of damage,” he said. “But with the drainage canals and the project they carried out, things have greatly improved.”

He added: “Now I can support my family and take care of our daily needs.”

An aerial drone photo taken on April 22, 2026, shows a newly built drainage channel and a football field along it in the Abobo commune in northern Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. (Power Construction Corporation of China/Handout via NNA News)

Residents and workers involved in the project say the development has also created employment opportunities while improving public infrastructure in one of Abidjan’s most flood-affected communities.

For many in Abobo, the drainage system now represents more than infrastructure; it has become a symbol of stability, mobility and safer living conditions during Côte d’Ivoire’s rainy season.