Residents of Orere and neighbouring riverine communities in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have begun enjoying a new era of connectivity as vehicles officially commenced movement across the long-awaited Orere Bridge, marking a major milestone in the administration of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
The development signals a significant breakthrough in the state's infrastructure drive, ending decades of transportation difficulties that forced residents to rely largely on canoes to cross the Orere River.
The multi-billion-naira project, which has attained 82.25 per cent completion, comprises the construction of a 500-metre bridge across the Orere River, 4.36 kilometres of access roads and arterial routes, including a spur into Orere Town. The contract was awarded in 2021.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the project on Thursday, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded and praised Governor Oborevwori for sustaining the project.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, and other top ministry officials, Izeze described the decision to entrust the project to an indigenous contractor, Obakpor J.U. Construction Limited, as a worthwhile one.
He noted that the bridge had a difficult history and at some point appeared unlikely to materialise, but Governor Oborevwori's confidence in the indigenous firm had proven justified.
"Today, we are here and can proudly tell the whole world that, for the first time in history, vehicles are driving into Orere. SUVs, saloon cars and heavy-duty vehicles can now access Orere. As of today, June 4, 2026, this has become a reality," he said.
The commissioner, who hails from the area and previously represented the constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, also acknowledged the role played by former Governor Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa in approving and awarding the project.
According to him, the bridge was a response to the longstanding demands of residents and neighbouring communities seeking improved access and economic opportunities.
Izeze commended Governor Oborevwori for remaining faithful to his promise to complete inherited projects across the state, noting that the administration reviewed the contract to reflect prevailing economic realities and ensured steady funding despite challenges.
He attributed delays in execution mainly to heavy rainfall experienced over the past three years, describing the situation as an "act of God" that slowed construction activities.
The commissioner, however, expressed confidence that the remaining phases of the project would be completed in line with engineering standards and without further setbacks.
He urged the contractor to accelerate work while maintaining quality, stressing that the Oborevwori administration would not tolerate corner-cutting and remained committed to delivering value for public funds.
"Having demonstrated capacity, competence and capability in delivering a project of this magnitude, I expect the contractor to further increase the pace of work so that this project can be completed and commissioned in the not-too-distant future," he stated.
Chairman of Obakpor J.U. Construction Limited, Chief John Oguma, assured that the project would be fully completed and ready for inauguration before December 2026.
The achievement has also drawn commendation from residents of the community.
Former Chairman of Orere Community, Mr. Lucky Eyasuile, lauded Governor Oborevwori for turning what many had considered an impossible dream into reality.
He expressed gratitude to the governor for ensuring the continuity of the project and pledged the community's continued support for the administration.
For commercial motorcyclists, including Freedom Ovwigho and Prince Meleghe, as well as resident Endurance Emefe, the sight of vehicles driving across the bridge represents a historic moment.
They said the development had brought immense joy to the people, who can now travel by road without depending on canoes to cross the river.
The residents expressed optimism that the remaining works would be completed soon, opening up greater economic opportunities and improving access to communities located across the Orere River.
With vehicles now driving through the bridge, the project stands as one of the most significant infrastructure interventions in the riverine areas of Delta State and a visible testament to the state's commitment to improving connectivity and rural development.
