Cheers erupted across Orere and neighbouring riverine communities in Ughellli South Local Government Area of Delta on Thursday as vehicles officially crossed the long-awaited Orere Bridge for the first time in history.
According to residents, the development marks a major milestone for communities that for decades depended on canoes to cross the Orere River and access basic services.
The successful opening of the bridge to vehicular traffic on Thursday was celebrated as a transformational achievement to reshape economic and social activities in the area.
Residents, community leaders and commercial motorcyclists described the moment as historic, saying it signaled the end of years of transportation challenges and isolation.
Many expressed excitement as cars, sport utility vehicles and heavy-duty trucks drove into the community, a sight previously unimaginable to many residents.
Former Orere Community Chairman, Lucky Eyasuile, said the bridge’s progress represents the fulfilment of a dream nurtured by generations of community members.
He commended Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for sustaining the project and ensuring its continuous advancement inspite of economic pressures and other challenges.
The multi-billion-naira project, which has now attained 82.25 per cent completion, consists of a 500-metre bridge, 4.36 kilometres of access roads and a spur leading into Orere Town.
Hensard Times recalls that the contract was awarded in 2021 to Obakpor J.U. Construction Limited, an indigenous construction firm entrusted with delivering the landmark infrastructure project.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the site on Thursday, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Reuben Izeze, expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work.
He praised Gov. Oborevwori for demonstrating commitment to the project through sustained funding and support despite prevailing economic realities.
According to the commissioner, the decision to engage an indigenous contractor has proven successful, given the company’s performance and technical capacity.
Izeze recalled that the project encountered several obstacles during execution and, at some stages, appeared unlikely to be realised.
He however, said the governor’s confidence in the contractor and determination to complete inherited projects ensured the bridge remained on course.
“Today, for the first time in history, vehicles are driving into Orere,” Izeze declared while addressing residents and project stakeholders during the inspection.
He noted that various categories of vehicles can now access the community, opening new opportunities for transportation, commerce and investment.
The commissioner also acknowledged former Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa for approving and awarding the contract in response to longstanding demands from residents.
He explained that the bridge was conceived to improve connectivity between riverine communities and the rest of the state while stimulating economic growth.
Izeze said government reviewed aspects of the contract to reflect prevailing economic conditions and guarantee uninterrupted execution of the project.
He identified heavy rainfall over the last three years as one of the major factors responsible for delays experienced during construction.
Izeze inspite of the challenges, expressed confidence that the remaining components of the project would be completed in line with required engineering standards.
The commissioner urged the contractor to maintain quality while accelerating work to ensure timely delivery and value for public funds.
Chairman of Obakpor J.U. Construction Limited, Chief John Oguma, assured residents that the project would be fully completed before December 2026.
