The Delta State Government has expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work on the Orere River Bridge and Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road projects in Ughelli South Local Government Area. The Commissioner for Works, Comrade Reuben Izeze, gave the warning during an inspection of the projects, accompanied by engineers from the ministry. Izeze accused the contractor of failing to demonstrate the commitment required to deliver the projects within the expected timelines.
The Orere River Bridge project, which includes access roads and a spur in Orere Town, was awarded to the contractor on January 27, 2021, at an initial cost of N9.85 billion. The contract sum was subsequently reviewed to N32.45 billion. The same contractor is also handling the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road, awarded on September 3, 2026, at a cost of N6.92 billion.
Izeze stated that the government deemed the progress unsatisfactory and warned it would take appropriate action if the contractor failed to improve performance. He noted that the Oborevwori administration had consistently supported indigenous contractors to enable them to contribute meaningfully to the state’s infrastructure development. However, he stressed that government support must be matched with commitment, diligence, and timely delivery.
The commissioner accused the contractor of putting up appearances only when Ministry of Works officials visited the project sites, rather than maintaining consistent construction activities. He said the government is no longer prepared to accept a situation where contractors mobilised workers and equipment merely to impress inspection teams.
Izeze directed the contractor’s representative to convey the government’s displeasure to the company’s management, warning that another unsatisfactory inspection could trigger a recommendation for appropriate sanctions. He said the projects had already exceeded the period within which they ought to have made significant progress, adding that the government would not continue to tolerate delays at the expense of residents who urgently need the infrastructure.
The road project was formally mobilised on September 10, 2026, with completion scheduled for March 10, 2028. Izeze warned that no contractor would be allowed to take government assistance for granted, saying the contractor could no longer hide behind the rainy season to justify the slow progress.
The total cost of the projects is over N38 billion, and the government is keen to ensure timely completion. Key projects inspected include the Orere River Bridge and Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road.
Key points
- The Delta State Government has threatened sanctions against the contractor handling the Orere River Bridge and Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road projects.
- The projects, worth over N38 billion, have experienced delays.
- The government demands improved performance from the contractor to avoid sanctions.
