By Reen Chidi
The Delta State Government has commended the progress of work on the Ayakoromo Bridge across the River Forcados, urging the construction firm, Setraco, to sustain the pace and ensure the project is delivered by December 2027.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, gave the commendation on Thursday during an inspection tour of the project alongside engineers from the state Ministry of Works.
Izeze acknowledged the challenges posed by the area’s difficult terrain and weather conditions but expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far, noting that the quality of engineering work was encouraging.
He, however, called on the contractor to intensify efforts to ensure timely completion, adding that the ministry’s engineers had confirmed that construction activities remained in line with the approved schedule.
“Setraco has done appreciably well, considering the weather and the terrain. However, there is still room for improvement. Our engineers have confirmed that work is progressing according to schedule, and the quality of engineering is encouraging,” the commissioner said.
He stressed the importance of delivering the project within the agreed timeframe, noting that the bridge would provide significant relief to residents of Egbo-Ide in Ughelli South Local Government Area and Ayakoromo in Burutu Local Government Area.
The commissioner also praised the ministry’s engineers for maintaining effective supervision during his temporary absence, urging them to sustain close monitoring of the project to ensure compliance with construction standards and delivery timelines.
“We hope Setraco will maintain the standards it is known for, keep to the agreed timeline and deliver a quality project that will serve the people,” he added.
Speaking during the inspection, Setraco’s Project Manager, Nabil Chahiene, expressed confidence that the project would be completed as scheduled in December 2027.
“By His grace, the project will be completed in 2027,” Chahiene said.
The Ayakoromo Bridge contract was awarded on December 16, 2022, at a cost of more than N39 billion. The project is designed to establish a critical transport link between Egbo-Ide and Ayakoromo communities across the River Forcados.
Upon completion, the bridge is expected to ease transportation challenges, facilitate the movement of people and goods, stimulate economic activities and improve access to essential services for residents of the benefiting communities and surrounding areas.
The state government has reiterated the need for sustained supervision and adherence to the project schedule to ensure the bridge is delivered to the required standard and becomes operational for the benefit of the people by the December 2027 deadline.
