The Delta State Government has warned the contractor handling the Orere River Bridge and the Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road projects in Ughelli South Local Government Area that sanctions may follow what it described as an unsatisfactory pace of work.

Comrade Reuben Izeze, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), issued the warning on Friday during an inspection of the two sites, which he carried out alongside engineers from the ministry.

Izeze said he was displeased with the level of activity he met on the ground and accused the contractor of failing to show the commitment needed to deliver the projects within the expected timelines.

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According to the commissioner, the rainy season can no longer serve as an excuse for the slow progress, and what he observed during the visit fell far short of acceptable.

“As far as I am concerned, the contractor is not on site, and I must express my strong displeasure with its attitude and pace of work.

“When the rain was falling heavily, that was the 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,” he said.

Izeze noted that the Oborevwori administration has consistently backed indigenous contractors so that they can contribute meaningfully to infrastructure development across the state.

That support, he stressed, must be matched by commitment, diligence and timely delivery, and he warned that no contractor would be permitted to take such assistance for granted.

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Contractor accused of window dressing

The commissioner also accused the contractor of merely putting up appearances whenever officials of the Ministry of Works visit the sites, rather than sustaining construction work.

He said the government would no longer accept contractors who mobilise workers and equipment solely to impress inspection teams.

“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,” he said.

Izeze directed the contractor’s representative to carry the government’s displeasure back to the company’s management, cautioning that another unsatisfactory inspection could lead to a recommendation for appropriate sanctions.

“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 warned.

He added that the projects had already gone past the period in which they ought to have recorded significant progress, and that the government would not keep tolerating delays at the expense of residents who need the infrastructure urgently.

Project details

The Orere River Bridge project, which covers access roads and a spur in Orere Town, was awarded on January 27, 2021, at an initial cost of N9.85 billion, with the contract sum later reviewed to N32.45 billion.

The same contractor is handling the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road, awarded on September 3, 2026, at a cost of N6.92 billion. That road project was formally mobilised on September 10, 2026, with a scheduled completion date of March 10, 2028.

With public funds already committed to the two jobs, the state insists the contractor must raise its performance or face the consequences, so that the people of Orere and Ewu communities receive the infrastructure they are owed.