The Delta State Government has expressed displeasure over the slow pace of work on the construction of the Orere River Bridge and the rehabilitation of the Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road in Ughelli South Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze Esq, gave the warning on Friday during an inspection of the two projects alongside engineers from the ministry.
Izeze criticised the contractor, for what he described as a lackadaisical attitude towards the projects, warning that the government would not tolerate delays or attempts to give the impression that work was progressing when the contractor was not fully committed to the job.
The commissioner said the contractor could no longer blame the rainy season for the delay, adding that the level of activity observed during the inspection was unsatisfactory.
He said, “As far as I am concerned, the contractor is not on site, and I must express my strong displeasure with the attitude of the contractor and its pace of work.
“While the rain was falling heavily, it was given as an 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.”
The commissioner explained that the contractor had received government support as part of the administration’s efforts to encourage indigenous construction companies to participate in infrastructure development.
He, however, said such support should not be taken for granted, stressing that contractors must demonstrate commitment through quality work and timely delivery.
Izeze further accused the contractor of engaging in what he described as window dressing whenever ministry officials visited the project sites.
He said, “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.”
The commissioner warned that the government might recommend appropriate action if the contractor failed to improve before the next inspection.
“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 said.
He stressed that the projects had overstayed their expected timelines and must be treated with greater seriousness to ensure that residents of Orere and Ewu communities benefit from the infrastructure.
The Orere River Bridge project, which includes access roads and a spur in Orere Town, was awarded to the construction company on January 27, 2021, at an initial contract sum of N9.85bn. The contract sum was subsequently reviewed to N32.45bn.
The same company is handling the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road, awarded on September 3, 2026, at a contract sum of N6.92bn.
The road project was mobilised on September 10, 2026, with an expected completion date of March 10, 2028.
