FOR years, residents of Kaladakiri Polo Ala-se-Ama Community in Borokiri, Port Harcourt Local Council of Rivers State, held meetings under makeshift shelters, often disrupted by rain and harsh weather.
 Community leaders say the lack of a structured venue hindered regular consultations and delayed discussions on issues affecting development and peaceful coexistence.
 That challenge has now been addressed with the inauguration of a 200-seater Community Hall donated by Dredging International Services Nigeria Limited, a firm operating in the area.

The Guardian observed palpable excitement among residents during the handover ceremony, as women, youths and elders gathered to witness the formal presentation of the facility.
 Chairman of Alase-Ama Community, Akuro Rex Bilade, described the project as significant, noting that it would provide a conducive space for dialogue and decision-making that would uplift the community.
 “With this facility, we can sit comfortably to deliberate on matters that concern our progress. It will strengthen unity and enhance peace in the community,” he said, urging other corporate organisations operating in the area to emulate the gesture.
 
The Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, Ateke Tom, who was represented at the event, expressed hope that the facility would ease previous logistical difficulties and promote development-focused engagements.
 He commended the company for responding to the community’s needs and urged them not to relent in their commitments to developments.
 Chairman of Kaladakiri Polo Community, Samuel Daka, recalled the frequent disruptions caused by rainfall during meetings. “When we were having meetings and the rain started, everyone would scatter and that marks the end of the meeting. Now, we have a place to gather without disturbance,” he said.
 Women Leader, Mrs. Spencer Jane, said the hall would enable more structured engagement among women and other groups in the community.
 
“The women, elders, youths, men have been struggling for years to get a venue for discussions, all to no avail. The rain and sun displaced us, but we are happy today because by this structure, we will discuss ideas that will help us advance.”
 She also called for more empowerment programmes while the Youth Leader, Amina Tamuno, expressed optimism that the facility would encourage dialogue, avert restiveness and foster unity.
 Principal Liaison Officer of Dredging International Services Nigeria Limited, Blankson Okpoyo, said the project followed consultations and a needs assessment conducted with the community.
 
He explained that other proposed interventions were considered but found unsuitable due to environmental constraints. According to him, the company opted for the hall as a sustainable project that would serve the collective interest of residents.
 “We felt it was important to undertake a project that would have visible and lasting impact. While other options were considered, including some requested by the community, we agreed on a structure that would serve the collective interest and stand as a tangible legacy for the people.”
 He added that the firm had undertaken other initiatives in the area, including medical outreach and skills development programmes, and pledged continued engagement with the host community.