By Kelvin Ohoror
The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to encouraging contractors through the regular payment of certified works, a policy it says is driving steady progress on critical infrastructure projects across the state.
The State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, stated this on Thursday during an inspection of the ongoing N29.2 billion bridge across the Orere River, alongside access roads and an arterial road with a spur in Orere Town, Ughelli South Local Government Area.
Izeze disclosed that the project, which was awarded by the previous administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on January 27, 2021, has reached 77.67 per cent completion, with construction of concrete retaining walls and major earthworks currently ongoing.
He explained that the scope of work includes a 500-metre reinforced concrete bridge, construction of a 4.363-kilometre access road, a 1.040-kilometre arterial road, and a 0.350-kilometre spur road, bringing the total road length to 5.753 kilometres, complete with drainage infrastructure.
According to the Commissioner, significant milestones have been achieved on the project. “All piles and abutments have been completed, longitudinal beams have been completed and launched, while 25 spans of the deck slab are already done. Sharp sand dredging and filling have reached about 75 per cent completion, and construction of the concrete retaining wall is also at about 75 per cent,” he said.
Izeze, who was accompanied by the Functioning Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, and other top officials of the Ministry of Works, expressed optimism that the project was nearing a critical stage, noting that the ministry would soon be able to present a definite commissioning timeline to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
He however, stressed the need for the contractor to strictly adhere to agreed timelines, emphasizing that the Oborevwori administration has provided a conducive environment for contractors especially indigenous firms through the prompt settlement of all outstanding certificates.
“Considering the level of encouragement from the Delta State Government, especially in the payment of certificates, there is no justification for delays. The state government is not owing this firm any certificate on this project,” he stated.
The commissioner urged the contractor to deploy more manpower and equipment to accelerate work, warning that the state would not tolerate avoidable delays that could expose projects to inflationary pressures or trigger demands for cost reviews.
“We cannot afford to keep projects hanging while people remain in anticipation. Whatever administrative issues are holding the firm back should be resolved quickly so the contractor can return fully to site and deliver this project to the Delta State Government and the people of Orere and adjoining communities,” he added.
Izeze noted visible improvement since the last inspection visit. “The last time we came here, we couldn’t drive onto the bridge and access road, but today we were able to pass through. That is a clear indication of progress and shows that equipment can now be moved across the bridge to fast-track the remaining work,” he said.
He nonetheless observed that coordination and work scheduling were still inadequate, calling on the contractor to reorganize administratively and mobilize the required number of workers, given the massive nature of the project.
