Delta govt threatens contractor over delayed projects

The Delta State government has threatened a contractor over the slow pace of work on the construction of the Orere River Bridge and the rehabilitation of the Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze accused the contractor during an inspection of the two projects alongside engineers from the ministry, warning against engaging in what he described as window dressing whenever ministry officials visited the project sites.

He said, “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.

“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.”

Speaking further, he said, “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.”

“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 stressed that the projects had overstayed their expected timelines and must be treated with greater seriousness to ensure that residents of Orere and Ewu communities benefit from the infrastructure.

The Orere River Bridge project, which includes access roads and a spur in Orere Town, was awarded to the construction company on January 27, 2021, at an initial contract sum of N9.85 billion. The contract sum was subsequently revised to N32.45 billion.

The same company is handling the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road, awarded on September 3, 2026, at a contract sum of N6.92bn.

The road project was mobilised on September 10, 2026, with an expected completion date of March 10, 2028.