The Delta State Government has warned that it may recommend sanctions against the contractor handling the Orere River Bridge project and the rehabilitation of the Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road over what it described as a slow pace of work.

The state Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, gave the warning on Friday during an inspection of the projects in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

Izeze expressed displeasure with the level of work on the sites, accusing the contractor of failing to demonstrate sufficient commitment despite receiving support from the state government.

He said the contractor could no longer blame the rainy season for the delay, adding that the government would not tolerate a situation where workers only appeared at the sites whenever ministry officials came for inspection.

“As far as I am concerned, the contractor is not on site, and I must express my strong displeasure with the attitude of the contractor and its pace of work,” the commissioner said.

“While the rain was falling heavily, it was given as an excuse. But today, the rain can no longer be an excuse because I am not satisfied with what I am seeing.

“It seems this contractor is taking advantage of its relationship with the state government, and that is unacceptable to us,” he added.

The commissioner said the administration had supported the contractor as part of its efforts to encourage indigenous construction companies to participate in infrastructure development.

He, however, warned that such support should not be taken for granted, stressing that contractors must deliver quality projects within agreed timelines.

Izeze also accused the contractor of engaging in what he called window dressing whenever officials visited the sites.

“We have come here after the rain to see this kind of window dressing to make it appear as though they have been busy. For me, it is unacceptable.

“We have gone beyond the stage of window dressing and trying to be on site only whenever the contractor hears that ministry officials are coming for inspection,” he said.

He directed the contractor’s representative to convey the government’s displeasure to the company’s management, warning that another inspection could lead to a recommendation for appropriate action.

“I want the representative of the contractor to pass this message to their principal that if we come here next time and witness this type of situation, we will have no option but to make the appropriate recommendation to our boss in Asaba,” he added.

Izeze said the projects had exceeded their expected timelines and urged the contractor to increase the pace of work so that residents of Orere and Ewu communities could benefit from the infrastructure.

The Orere River Bridge project, which includes access roads and a spur in Orere Town, was awarded to the contractor on January 27, 2021, at an initial cost of N9.85bn. The contract sum was later reviewed to N32.45bn.

The same company is also handling the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of the Edjekota–Ewu–Orere Road, awarded on September 3, 2026, at a cost of N6.92bn.

The road project was mobilised on September 10, 2026, with a scheduled completion date of March 10, 2028.