Orere Bridge Nears Completion As Delta Government Urges Contractors To Match Support With Speed
Delta Government Reaffirms Commitment to Contractors
THE Delta State Government has reiterated its resolve to sustain the regular and prompt payment of certified works to contractors, describing the policy as a major driver of steady progress on key infrastructure projects across the state.
This assurance was given by the State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, during an inspection visit to the ongoing bridge project across the Orere River, including access and arterial roads, in Orere Town, Ughelli South Local Government Area.
Project Hits 77.67 Per Cent Completion
According to the commissioner, the ₦29.2 billion project, awarded on 27 January 2021, during the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, has attained 77.67 per cent completion.
He disclosed that work is currently focused on major earthworks and the construction of concrete retaining walls, signaling that the project has entered an advanced and critical phase.
“The progress recorded so far reflects the commitment of the Delta State Government to infrastructure delivery, especially where contractors are encouraged through prompt settlement of certified works,” Izeze stated.
Scope and Strategic Importance of the Project
The commissioner explained that the project comprises a 500-metre reinforced concrete bridge, a 4.363-kilometre access road, a 1.040-kilometre arterial road and a 0.350-kilometre spur road, making a total road length of 5.753 kilometres, complete with drainage facilities.
He noted that when completed, the project would significantly enhance connectivity, reduce travel time and stimulate socio-economic activities in Orere and surrounding communities.
Major Construction Milestones Achieved
Providing an update on construction milestones, Izeze revealed that all piles and abutments have been completed, while the longitudinal beams have been successfully constructed and launched.
“Out of the total number of spans, 25 deck slabs have already been completed. Sharp sand dredging and filling are about 75 per cent done, while construction of the concrete retaining wall has also reached approximately 75 per cent completion,” he said.
The commissioner was accompanied on the inspection by the Functioning Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, alongside other senior officials.
Contractor Urged to Adhere Strictly to Timelines
Despite expressing satisfaction with visible progress on site, Izeze emphasized the need for the contractor to strictly adhere to the agreed project timelines.
He stressed that the Oborevwori administration has created a conducive working environment for contractors, particularly indigenous firms, by ensuring the prompt payment of all outstanding certificates.
“There is no justification for delays. The Delta State Government is not owing this firm any certificate on this project,” the commissioner stated.
Warning Against Avoidable Delays
Izeze urged the contractor to deploy additional manpower and equipment to accelerate the pace of work, warning that the government would not tolerate avoidable delays that could expose the project to inflationary pressures or lead to requests for cost reviews.
“We cannot afford to keep projects hanging while communities wait endlessly. Any administrative bottlenecks affecting the firm must be resolved immediately so work can resume fully,” he said.
Improved Accessibility Signals Progress
The commissioner noted a significant improvement since the last inspection, pointing out that access to the bridge and adjoining roads has improved considerably.
“The last time we visited, vehicles could not drive onto the bridge. Today, we were able to pass through, which shows real progress and means equipment can now be moved across the bridge to fast-track the remaining work,” he added.
He, however, observed that coordination and scheduling still require improvement and called on the contractor to reorganize administratively to match the scale of the project.
