By Dennis Otu and Nelson Egware
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to timely project execution, warning contractors against delays and threatening to revoke non-performing contracts.
Speaking on Friday during an inspection of the Orere Bridge in Ughelli South Local Government Area, the governor said the state government now prepares payment schedules weekly to ensure prompt payment to contractors who submit their certificates.
Oborevwori, who expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work on the Orere Bridge, said the project, which was initiated by the previous administration, is crucial as it connects over 15 riverine communities.
“This bridge is very key to several communities within this area. Without it, accessing those communities is very difficult. Once completed, it will greatly benefit the people,” he said.
He emphasized the need to empower indigenous contractors while maintaining high-quality standards. “We are engaging our local contractors while also working with international firms. The quality of work is okay, but I am not happy with the speed. The contractor needs to step up activity,” he added.
The governor issued a firm deadline for the project’s completion, stating that the contractor must show significant progress by the end of the year or risk having parts of their contract reassigned.
“We can’t have contractors taking on multiple jobs and moving from one site to another without delivering results. Those with too many contracts but failing to perform will have some revoked and reassigned to capable hands,” he warned.
Oborevwori assured that delays caused by funding would no longer be an excuse, as the state ensures prompt payment for completed work. “If you have a certificate today, we will pay. We don’t do monthly cash budgets; we process payments weekly,” he stressed.
During the inspection, the governor also assessed the 46km Ohoror-Bomadi Road linking Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Patani, Burutu, and Bomadi local government areas, expressing satisfaction with the progress. He highlighted the road’s importance in improving connectivity and economic activities between Urhobo and Ijaw communities.
At Edo Road in Ughelli, currently being constructed with concrete, Oborevwori commended the contractor for delivering quality work. He noted that once completed with asphalt overlay, the road would significantly ease traffic congestion around Otovwodo Junction.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to complete key infrastructure projects, stating, “By the time we celebrate our second anniversary, I want to have many projects ready for commissioning.”
