Delta Govt Begins ₦29.8bn Aboh–Akarai Road, Okiri River Bridge to Boost Ndokwa East Access

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, with a total project cost of ₦29.8 billion.
The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, disclosed this during an inspection of the project site, accompanied by the Director of Highways, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, and other senior officials of the Ministry of Works.
According to Izeze, the road and bridge project will provide a direct land connection between Aboh and Akarai, ending the long-standing dependence of residents on river transportation and significantly improving access to riverine communities.
He noted that Ndokwa East is largely agrarian, with many residents engaged in farming and fishing, but economic growth has been constrained over the years by poor road access and difficult terrain.
“This project is intended to open up more avenues for the people of Akarai to link Aboh without having to sail through the river. Because of the nature of the topography, it has been very difficult for the people to do business and thrive as entrepreneurs,” Izeze said.
The Commissioner explained that the project aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, stressing that the “O” represents Opportunities for all Deltans, regardless of whether they live in riverine, rural or urban areas.
He revealed that the bridge design was upgraded from five spans to seven spans to ensure durability and resilience against flooding. The redesign, he said, was based on the 2012 flood level, which serves as a benchmark to guarantee the structure’s long-term stability amid changing environmental conditions.
Izeze added that contractors returned to site immediately after the Christmas holidays, with preliminary works such as bush clearing already completed. He noted that piling would commence once the river water level recedes further, expressing confidence that substantial 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,” he added.
Also speaking, the contracting engineer, Lichaa Geagea, confirmed that preparatory activities were ongoing, including site clearing, access road opening, and arrangements for key facilities such as the batching plant, iron bending yard and beam seating areas.
Geagea disclosed that access roads to the bridge abutments had been opened, while heavy equipment including excavators, cranes and concrete mixers are expected on site before the end of the month.
He said piling works for the bridge would begin next month, alongside bush clearing for the remaining sections of the road, while refilling, box culverts and drainage works would also commence soon.
When completed, the Aboh–Akarai Road and Okiri River Bridge are expected to significantly improve mobility, economic activities and social integration in Ndokwa East, particularly benefiting riverine communities that have long faced accessibility challenges.