Residents of Orere and other riverine communities in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State are celebrating a major breakthrough as vehicles have started using the long-awaited Orere Bridge for the first time.
The development marks a significant step in improving transportation in the area, where residents have relied on canoes for decades to cross the Orere River.
The project, which is about 82 percent completed, includes a 500-metre bridge across the river and 4.36 kilometres of connecting roads, including a link road into Orere town. The contract for the project was awarded in 2021.
During an inspection of the project on Thursday, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, and other officials, Izeze praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for ensuring the project continued despite economic challenges.
He also commended the indigenous contractor, Obakpor J.U. Construction Limited, for its performance on the project.
According to Izeze, there were times when many people doubted the bridge would ever be completed. However, he said the governor’s confidence in the contractor has produced visible results.
“For the first time in history, vehicles can now drive into Orere. SUVs, cars and heavy-duty vehicles now have access to the community. What people only dreamed about has become a reality,” he said.
The commissioner also acknowledged the role of former Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, who approved and initiated the project.
He explained that the bridge was designed to address years of transportation difficulties faced by residents of Orere and neighbouring communities, while also improving economic activities and movement within the area.
Izeze noted that Governor Oborevwori has remained committed to completing inherited projects across the state. He added that the contract was reviewed to reflect current economic realities while funding for the project was sustained.
According to him, frequent rainfall over the past three years contributed to delays in construction, but work has continued steadily.
He urged the contractor to speed up the remaining work while maintaining high construction standards.
Chairman of Obakpor J.U. Construction Limited, Chief John Oguma, assured residents that the bridge project would be fully completed and ready for commissioning before December 2026.
Residents of the community welcomed the development with excitement.
Former Chairman of Orere Community, Mr. Lucky Eyasuile, described the bridge as a historic achievement and praised Governor Oborevwori for delivering a project many people once believed was impossible.
Commercial motorcyclists, including Freedom Ovwigho and Prince Meleghe, as well as resident Endurance Emefe, said the opening of the bridge to vehicles has brought relief and joy to the community.
They noted that for many years residents depended entirely on canoes to cross the river, making transportation difficult and costly.
The residents expressed hope that the completion of the project would boost business activities, improve access to neighbouring communities and create new economic opportunities.
With vehicles now crossing the bridge, the Orere Bridge project is
