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Join for News Updates ✕Delta Govt Threatens Sanctions Over Slow Pace of Orere Bridge, Road Projects
Tags: Delta Infrastructure, Delta State Government, Delta State News, Ewu Road, Orere Bridge, Reuben Izeze, Sheriff Oborevwori, Ughelli South
The Delta State Government has warned that it may recommend sanctions against the contractor handling the Orere River Bridge and Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road projects in Ughelli South Local Government Area over what it described as unsatisfactory progress of work.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, issued the warning on Friday during an inspection of the projects, accompanied by engineers from the Ministry of Works.
Izeze expressed displeasure with the level of activity at the construction sites, accusing the contractor of failing to demonstrate the commitment required to deliver the projects within the stipulated timelines.
He dismissed the rainy season as a justification for the slow pace of work, insisting that the situation observed during the inspection was unacceptable.
“As far as I am concerned, the contractor is not on site, and I must express my strong displeasure with its attitude and pace of work.
“When the rain was falling heavily, that was the 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,” he said.
The commissioner explained that the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had consistently supported indigenous contractors to enable them to contribute to the state’s infrastructure development.
He, however, emphasised that such government support must be reciprocated with commitment, diligence and timely project delivery.
According to him, the government would not allow any contractor to take its support for granted or compromise the delivery of critical infrastructure.
Izeze further alleged that the contractor had been engaging in what he described as window dressing, mobilising workers and equipment mainly whenever officials of the Ministry of Works scheduled inspection visits.
He said the government expected consistent construction activities rather than temporary efforts aimed at creating an impression of progress.
“This contractor is one of those that have received the full backing of this administration in a bid to encourage indigenous contractors. He has received every form of encouragement.
“We have come here after the rain to see this kind of window dressing to make it appear as though they have been busy. For me, it is unacceptable. We have gone beyond the stage of window dressing and trying to be on site only whenever the contractor hears that ministry officials are coming for inspection,” the commissioner stated.
The commissioner subsequently directed the contractor’s representative to communicate the government’s displeasure to the company’s management, warning that another unsatisfactory inspection could lead to a recommendation for appropriate sanctions.
“I want the representative of the contractor to pass this message to their principal that if we come here next time and witness this type of situation, we will have no option but to make the appropriate recommendation to our boss in Asaba,” he warned.
He noted that the projects had already exceeded the period within which significant progress was expected, stressing that the government could no longer tolerate unnecessary delays at the expense of communities awaiting improved road connectivity and infrastructure.
Details of Orere Bridge and Road Projects
The Orere River Bridge project, which comprises the bridge, access roads and a spur in Orere Town, was initially awarded on January 27, 2021, at a contract sum of N9.85 billion.
The contract sum was subsequently reviewed to N32.45 billion.
The same contractor is also responsible for the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road, awarded on September 3, 2026, at a cost of N6.92 billion.
The road project was formally mobilised on September 10, 2026, with a scheduled completion date of March 10, 2028.
The state government’s latest warning signals a tougher approach to monitoring the projects, with the contractor expected to improve its performance or risk facing consequences.
The government said its priority remained ensuring that residents of Orere, Ewu and neighbouring communities receive the infrastructure for which substantial public funds have been committed.