Delta State Warns Indigenous Contractor Over Delayed Infrastructure Projects

The Delta State government has issued a stern warning to a contractor handling critical infrastructure projects in Ughelli South Local Government Area due to what officials described as an unacceptable delay in execution. The Commissioner for Works for Highways and Urban Roads, Reuben Izeze, voiced his frustration during an official inspection visit to the sites of the Orere River Bridge construction and the rehabilitation of the Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road.

According to the commissioner, the inspection revealed that the contractor was engaging in superficial activities purely for the benefit of visiting government officials, a practice he strongly condemned. He noted that while seasonal heavy rainfall was previously accepted as a valid challenge, that justification no longer holds water now that weather conditions have improved. Officials accused the firm of taking the administration's supportive stance toward indigenous contractors for granted.

Commissioner Izeze maintained that the project execution has fallen well behind its expected schedule, cautioning that the state will no longer tolerate mere window dressing at the sites. He instructed the contractor's on-site representatives to relay the administration's firm stance to company leadership, adding that further unsatisfactory findings during subsequent visits would trigger official recommendations for punitive measures to higher authorities in Asaba.

Records show that the Orere River Bridge project, which incorporates access roads and a spur in Orere Town, was originally awarded in January 2021 with an initial valuation of N9.85 billion before later being revised to N32.45 billion. Separately, the Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road rehabilitation and asphalt overlay contract was awarded in September 2026 at a cost of N6.92 billion, with a scheduled completion target set for March 2028. State authorities emphasized that these projects are vital for improving mobility and living standards for residents in the Orere and Ewu communities, necessitating much greater commitment from the developer.

Source reporting: Daily Post — 2026-10-31 21:53:44