Delta Govt Begins Construction Of 10.1km Aboh–Akarai Road, Okiri River Bridge In Ndokwa East
THE Delta State Government has commenced construction of the 10.1-kilometre Aboh–Akarai Road and a major bridge across the Okiri River in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, a transformative infrastructure project valued at ₦29.8 billion.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, disclosed this during an inspection of the project site alongside the Director of Highways, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, and other senior officials of the ministry.
According to Izeze, the project is strategically designed to open up Akarai community and its neighbouring settlements by providing a direct, motorable link to Aboh. For decades, residents have relied almost entirely on river transport due to the difficult terrain, limiting economic activities and slowing community development.
“This project will open up more avenues for the people of Akarai to link Aboh without having to sail through the river. Because of the terrain, it has been very difficult for the people to do business and succeed as entrepreneurs,”
Izeze stated.
He noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, stressing that the “O”—Opportunities for all—captured the administration’s commitment to equitable development across riverine, rural and urban communities.
The Works Commissioner also disclosed that the Okiri River Bridge has been expanded from the initial five-span design to seven spans to ensure structural durability and flood resilience.
The redesign, he said, was based on the 2012 flood benchmark, ensuring that the bridge will withstand future environmental challenges and remain functional for generations.
Izeze confirmed that contractors returned to the site immediately after the Christmas holidays, with bush clearing and other initial works already completed. Piling for the bridge is expected to commence once the river’s water level drops further.
“This is one of the many promises of His Excellency that are being kept across the 25 local government areas of the state,”
he added.
The contracting engineer, Lichaa Geagea, said site clearing, access creation, and preparation for core facilities—such as the batching plant, iron-bending yard, and beam seating areas—were in progress.
He revealed that heavy-duty equipment including cranes, excavators, and mixers would arrive on site before the end of the month.
Geagea further disclosed that piling is scheduled to begin next month, while clearing of the remaining portions of the road, refilling works, box culverts and other drainage infrastructure would commence shortly.
The Aboh–Akarai Road and Okiri River Bridge project is expected to dramatically improve mobility, economic opportunities and social integration in Ndokwa East, especially for remote riverine communities that have long struggled with access and transportation challenges.
