The Delta State Government has urged Setraco Construction Company to sustain the pace of work on the Ayakoromo Bridge across the River Forcados and deliver the project by December 2027.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, made the call on Thursday during an inspection of the bridge project with engineers from the Ministry of Works.
Izeze said the contractor had made appreciable progress despite the difficult terrain and weather conditions, but stressed the need to improve the pace of work.
“Setraco has done appreciably well, considering the weather and the terrain. However, there is still room for improvement. Our engineers have confirmed that work is progressing according to schedule, and the quality of engineering is encouraging,” he said.
The commissioner urged the contractor to intensify efforts to ensure that residents of Egbo-Ide in Ughelli South Local Government Area and Ayakoromo in Burutu Local Government Area could benefit from the bridge as soon as possible.
He also commended the ministry’s engineers for maintaining effective supervision during his temporary absence, urging them to continue monitoring the project to ensure that construction standards and delivery timelines were not compromised.
“We hope Setraco will maintain the standards it is known for, keep to the agreed timeline and deliver a quality project that will serve the people,” Izeze said.
The Project Manager of Setraco, Nabil Chahiene, expressed confidence that the bridge would be completed in 2027.
“By His grace, the project will be completed in 2027,” he said.
The bridge contract, valued at over N39bn, was awarded on December 16, 2022. When completed, it will link Egbo-Ide and Ayakoromo communities across the River Forcados.
The project is expected to ease transportation difficulties, improve the movement of people and goods, boost economic activities and provide residents with better access to essential services.
