Delta State warns contractor over delays to Orere Bridge and Edjekota‑Ewu‑Orere road projects

Delta State authorities have formally cautioned the firm in charge of constructing the Orere River Bridge and repairing the Edjekota‑Ewu‑Orere route within Ughelli South Local Government Area. During an on‑site inspection on 31 October 2026, Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads) Reuben Izeze expressed strong displeasure with the pace of work, stating that the contractor’s presence on the sites was intermittent and that the rainy season could no longer be cited as a justification for delays.

Izeze told engineers accompanying him that the contractor appeared to engage in "window dressing" – making the sites look active only when ministry officials arrived – and warned that any further occurrence would lead to a recommendation for sanctions to the state’s leadership in Asaba. He stressed that the projects had already exceeded their expected timelines and that timely completion was essential for residents of the Orere and Ewu communities.

Background

Initially granted on 27 January 2021, the Orere River Bridge initiative, which features connecting roads and a spur in Orere Town, carried a contract price of N9.85 billion. Subsequent revisions increased the contract sum to N32.45 billion. Subsequently, the identical builder secured the contract for resurfacing and asphalt overlay of the Edjekota‑Ewu‑Orere road on 3 September 2026, valued at N6.92 billion. Mobilisation of the road works began on 10 September 2026, and the contract stipulated a completion date of 10 March 2028.

Both projects form part of the state’s broader effort to boost infrastructure and support indigenous contractors, a policy the administration has highlighted as a means to encourage local participation in development.

Why it matters

The delayed bridge and road works directly affect the mobility and economic activity of the Orere and Ewu communities, which rely on these routes for trade, health access and daily travel. Prolonged construction hampers the delivery of essential services and may increase transport costs for residents.

The state’s warning underscores the government’s intent to hold contractors accountable, especially those that have received significant backing under the indigenous‑contractor initiative. By threatening sanctions, the administration signals that financial and political support will be contingent on meeting agreed timelines and quality standards.

What happens next

Commissioner Izeze indicated that a further inspection could result in a formal recommendation to the governor’s office in Asaba for appropriate action against the contractor. No specific sanction has been detailed, but the warning suggests that the state may pursue contractual penalties or other administrative measures if progress does not improve before the next scheduled review.

The contractor has not publicly responded to the allegations, and the state has not announced any immediate changes to the project schedules. Monitoring of the sites is expected to continue, with the government emphasizing that future visits will assess genuine on‑site activity rather than superficial appearances.