Delta State Threatens Orere Bridge Contractor for Project Delays

• The Delta State Government has threatened sanctions against a contractor for slow progress on the Orere River Bridge and Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road projects.
• Commissioner Reuben Izeze expressed strong dissatisfaction during an inspection in Ughelli South, citing insufficient commitment and 'window dressing' by the contractor.
• The Orere River Bridge project, awarded in January 2021, saw its cost revised from N9.85 billion to N32.45 billion.
• The Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road project, awarded in September 2026, is scheduled for completion by March 2028 at N6.92 billion.
• The government warned that continued delays could lead to formal recommendations for action against the contractor to senior authorities.

The state government has made it clear that while it champions indigenous construction firms, this support does not excuse a failure to deliver quality projects within established timelines.

The Delta State Government has issued a strong warning to the contractor responsible for the Orere River Bridge project and the associated Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road rehabilitation, citing a significantly slow pace of work. During an inspection conducted on Friday in the Ughelli South Local Government Area, Reuben Izeze, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), expressed profound dissatisfaction with the progress observed at the sites.

Commissioner Izeze accused the contractor of lacking sufficient commitment, despite having received support from the state government. He dismissed the contractor's previous reliance on the rainy season as an excuse for delays, emphasizing that such a justification is no longer valid. Furthermore, Izeze criticized what he described as "window dressing," where workers only appear to be active on site when ministry officials are scheduled for inspection, rather than maintaining continuous operations. He stated that the government would not tolerate this approach, asserting that the contractor was not consistently present at the work locations.

The Orere River Bridge project, which also encompasses access roads and a spur in Orere Town, was initially awarded on January 27, 2021, with an original cost of N9.85 billion. This contract sum was subsequently reviewed and increased to N32.45 billion. The same construction company is also undertaking the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road. This road project was awarded on September 3, 2026, at a cost of N6.92 billion, with mobilization occurring on September 10, 2026, and a scheduled completion date set for March 10, 2028.

Both critical infrastructure projects have now significantly exceeded their expected timelines. Commissioner Izeze highlighted the urgency for the contractor to accelerate the work, underscoring the importance of these developments for the residents of the Orere and Ewu communities, who stand to benefit from their completion.

The state government has made it clear that while it champions indigenous construction firms, this support does not excuse a failure to deliver quality projects within established timelines. Commissioner Izeze warned that taking advantage of the government's supportive stance is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. He instructed the contractor's representative to immediately convey the government's strong displeasure to the company's management.

Izeze issued a stern warning that if a subsequent inspection reveals similar unsatisfactory conditions, the ministry will have no alternative but to recommend appropriate action to senior authorities in Asaba. This signals a heightened scrutiny of public works contracts in Delta State, emphasizing accountability and adherence to contractual obligations for all contractors.

Lawyers advising contractors on public works in Nigeria should note the Delta State government's increased scrutiny of project timelines and performance. This signals a potential for stricter enforcement of contract terms, including penalties or termination, for delays and non-compliance. Contractors should review their contracts for performance clauses and ensure robust project management and reporting to mitigate legal risks.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH