The Delta State government has issued a stern ultimatum to the firm handling the construction of the Orere River Bridge and the rehabilitation of the Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road in Ughelli South Local Government Area over unacceptable delays. Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, delivered the warning during an inspection tour alongside ministry engineers, condemning what he termed mere window dressing intended to deceive visiting government monitors.
What are the specific grievances of the state government regarding the project?
Expressing profound dissatisfaction with the pace of work, Izeze noted that the contractor was practically absent from the site despite receiving massive backing from the state administration as part of policies to promote indigenous firms. He pointed out that while adverse weather conditions were previously accepted as a valid hindrance, the cessation of heavy rains removed any justification for the current stagnation. According to the commissioner, the firm appeared to be abusing its cordial relationship with the government, a development he declared completely intolerable.
"As far as I am concerned, the contractor is not on site, and I must express my strong displeasure with the attitude of the contractor and its pace of work," Izeze stated. "While the rain was falling heavily, it was given as an excuse. But today, the rain can no longer be an excuse because I am not satisfied with what I am seeing. It seems this contractor is taking advantage of its relationship with the state government, and that is unacceptable to us."
How were the contracts structured and what are the financial details?
The Orere River Bridge project, which incorporates essential access roads and a spur leading into Orere Town, was initially awarded on January 27, 2021, at an initial cost of N9.85 billion. Due to economic adjustments and project expansions, the financial commitment was later reviewed upward to N32.45 billion. Meanwhile, the accompanying rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road was awarded subsequently on September 3, 2026, with an approved contract sum of N6.92 billion. Mobilization for the road component commenced on September 10, 2026, carrying an official completion deadline of March 10, 2028.
What measures will the government take if performance fails to improve?
During the inspection, the works commissioner warned the firm's representatives to transmit a clear directive to their principal management. He emphasized that subsequent inspection visits yielding the same substandard output would force the ministry to forward adverse recommendations directly to the state governor in Asaba. The administration maintained that these critical transport links have vastly exceeded their expected developmental schedules, stressing that residents of the Orere and Ewu communities deserve prompt delivery to alleviate their daily commuting challenges.