The Delta State Government has commenced construction of the 10.1-kilometre Aboh–Akarai Road, including a major bridge across the Okiri River, in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, at a total cost of ₦29.8 billion.
The Commissioner for Works, Highways and Urban Roads, Comrade Reuben Izeze, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the project site, where he was accompanied by the Director of Highways, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, and senior officials of the Ministry of Works.
Izeze said the road project would open up Akarai community and neighbouring areas by providing a direct land route to Aboh, ending decades of reliance on river transportation. He explained that Ndokwa East is largely agrarian, with residents engaged in farming and fishing, but poor road access caused by difficult terrain has continued to limit economic growth and business opportunities.
According to him, the project is designed to address those challenges by improving mobility and creating new economic pathways for residents. He noted that the terrain has long made it difficult for people in the area to thrive as entrepreneurs and access markets with ease.
The Commissioner said the road and bridge construction aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, explaining that the “O” in the policy framework stands for opportunities for all Deltans, irrespective of whether they live in riverine, rural, or urban communities.
Izeze revealed that the bridge component of the project was expanded from an initial five-span design to seven spans to enhance strength and durability. He said the redesign was based on the 2012 flood level, which was adopted as a benchmark to ensure the bridge can withstand future flooding and changing environmental conditions.
He added that contractors returned to site immediately after the Christmas holidays and had completed preliminary works, including bush clearing. According to him, piling would commence once the river water level drops further, expressing confidence that significant progress would be recorded before the end of the year.
“This is one of the many promises of His Excellency that are being fulfilled across the 25 local government areas of the state,” Izeze said.
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The project engineer, Lichaa Geagea, also confirmed that preparatory activities were ongoing, including site clearing, access road opening, and arrangements for facilities such as the batching plant, iron bending yard, and beam seating areas.
Geagea said access roads to the bridge abutments had already been opened, while heavy equipment, including excavators, cranes, and mixers, was expected on site before the end of the month. He disclosed that piling for the bridge would likely begin next month, with bush clearing for the remaining sections of the road nearing completion.
He added that refilling works, box culverts, and other drainage structures would also commence before the end of the month.
The Aboh–Akarai Road and Okiri River Bridge project is expected to significantly improve transportation, boost economic activities, and enhance social integration in Ndokwa East, particularly for riverine communities that have long struggled with access and connectivity.
