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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 of the project site, accompanied by the Director of Highways, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, and other senior officials of the Ministry of Works.

Izeze said the project would open up Akarai community and surrounding areas by providing a direct road link to Aboh, ending the long-standing reliance on river transportation.

He noted that Ndokwa East is largely agrarian, with residents engaged in farming and fishing, but difficult terrain and poor access have for years constrained economic activities and business growth.

According to him, the road and bridge align with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, particularly the commitment to create opportunities for all Deltans, irrespective of whether they live in riverine, rural or urban communities.

The Commissioner explained that the bridge design was upgraded from five to seven spans to enhance durability and resilience against flooding, using the 2012 flood level as the benchmark to ensure long-term sustainability.

He added that contractors had returned to site after the Christmas holidays, with preliminary works such as bush clearing already completed, while piling would commence as soon as the river water level recedes further.

“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.

The contracting engineer, Lichaa Geagea, confirmed that preparatory works were ongoing, including site clearing, access opening and arrangements for key facilities such as the batching plant and iron bending yard.

He disclosed that access roads to the bridge abutments had been opened and that heavy equipment would arrive on site before the end of the month, with piling expected to begin next month.

The Aboh–Akarai Road and Okiri River Bridge project is expected to significantly improve mobility, stimulate economic activities and strengthen social integration in Ndokwa East, particularly for riverine communities long challenged by poor access.