Delta State Government Issues Ultimatum to Contractor Over Stalled Infrastructure Projects

The Delta State government has formally expressed its dissatisfaction with the progress of critical infrastructure projects in the Ughelli South Local Government Area. During a recent site inspection, Reuben Izeze, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), criticized the pace of work on the Orere River Bridge and the rehabilitation of the Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road, warning that the state is prepared to take further action if improvements are not immediate.

Concerns Over Project Performance

Commissioner Izeze, accompanied by ministry engineers, accused the contractor of engaging in “window dressing”—a practice where site activity is artificially increased only when government officials are scheduled to visit. The Commissioner stated that the current state of the project sites does not reflect consistent progress, noting that previous excuses regarding inclement weather are no longer valid.

According to the Commissioner, the state government has provided significant support to the firm, specifically noting that the administration has prioritized indigenous contractors. He emphasized that the current lack of momentum is unacceptable, particularly given the level of backing the contractor has received from the state authorities.

Project Background and Financials

The infrastructure projects in question represent a significant financial commitment from the Delta State government. The Orere River Bridge, which encompasses access roads and a spur in Orere Town, was initially awarded on January 27, 2021. The original contract sum of N9.85 billion has since been revised to N32.45 billion.

Additionally, the contractor is responsible for the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road. This project was awarded on September 3, 2026, with a contract value of N6.92 billion. Official records indicate that mobilization for this road project began on September 10, 2026, with a projected completion date set for March 10, 2028.

The Path Forward

The Commissioner has instructed the contractor’s representatives to convey a clear message to their leadership: the state government expects immediate and sustained progress. Failure to demonstrate genuine advancement during the next inspection will lead to formal recommendations for further action by state leadership in Asaba.

The government maintains that these projects are essential for the connectivity and economic well-being of the Orere and Ewu communities. As of the time of reporting, the contractor has not issued a public response to the allegations of negligence or the government’s threat of potential contract review.

The Delta State government has not yet specified the exact nature of the “appropriate recommendation” that would follow a second failed inspection, nor has it provided details on the current percentage of work completed versus the funds disbursed to date.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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