By Reen Chidi
The Delta State Government has threatened possible sanctions against the contractor handling the Orere River Bridge and Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road projects in Ughelli South Local Government Area over alleged poor performance and the slow pace of construction.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, issued the warning on Friday during an inspection of the projects alongside engineers from the Ministry of Works.
Izeze expressed dissatisfaction with the level of work recorded at the project sites, accusing the contractor of failing to demonstrate the commitment necessary to ensure timely delivery of the infrastructure.
He dismissed the rainy season as a continued justification for the delays, insisting that the contractor had failed to take advantage of improved weather conditions to accelerate construction activities.
The commissioner described the contractor’s approach as unacceptable, alleging that its relationship with the state government should not be used as an excuse for poor performance.
According to him, the Oborevwori administration has consistently encouraged indigenous contractors through government support and opportunities to participate in infrastructure development. However, he maintained that such support must be matched with professionalism, accountability and measurable results.
Izeze further accused the contractor of engaging in what he described as window dressing, alleging that workers and equipment were only mobilised to project sites whenever ministry officials were expected to conduct inspections.
He warned that the government would no longer tolerate contractors who create the impression of progress during official visits without maintaining consistent construction activities.
The commissioner consequently directed the contractor’s representative to communicate the government’s dissatisfaction to the company’s management, warning that another inspection that reveals similar lapses could result in a recommendation for appropriate sanctions.
He noted that the projects had already gone beyond the period within which substantial progress was expected, stressing that the government could not continue to accept delays while residents of the affected communities remained in urgent need of the infrastructure.
The Orere River Bridge project, which includes access roads and a spur in Orere Town, was initially awarded on January 27, 2021, at a contract sum of N9.85 billion. The amount was subsequently reviewed to N32.45 billion.
Similarly, the contractor is 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 contractual completion date of March 10, 2028.
The state government’s latest warning signals a tougher position on project monitoring and contractor accountability, as the administration seeks to ensure that public investments translate into completed infrastructure and improved connectivity for residents of Orere, Ewu and neighbouring communities.
The government has therefore urged the contractor to demonstrate renewed commitment and accelerate work, warning that failure to improve performance could attract consequences.
