BY MORRIS NAFU
Member of Parliament for Savo Russell Constituency, Oliver Salopuka, officially opened and handed over a newly completed community hall on Friday last week to the people of Nukufero community in West Russell Islands.
This handover also came with a generator, lights and 10,000 SBD.
The event marked the height of a long-awaited project with the aim to foster communal activities and events in the community.
The hall was rebuilt after 47 years since the establishment of the settlement’s first hall.
Describing the hall as a significant milestone, Salopuka emphasized its role in uniting the community.
“It gives me great joy and deep satisfaction to stand before you today for this special occasion.
“The official opening of our new Nukufero community hall. This building is not just a structure of wood, iron, and cement. It is a symbol of unity, progress, and hope for our people,” he said in his opening remarks.
The MP also expressed gratitude to various stakeholders involved in the project.
“First and foremost, I wish to thank the almighty God for giving us strength, wisdom, and protection throughout this project.
“I also wish to acknowledge the chiefs, elders, and the hard-working men and women of Nukufero community who gave their time, energy, and support in making this dream a reality.
“My appreciation also goes to the builders, suppliers, and everyone who contributed, whether through labour, materials, or encouragement,” he said.
Salopuka highlighted the hall’s potential as a hub for community engagement.
“This community hall represents what we can achieve when we work together.
“It stands as a centre where all people can gather to discuss ideas, celebrate our culture, hold meetings, church programmes, trainings, and community events.
“It is a place where voices will be heard and where plans for a better future can be shaped,” he said.
He reiterated his commitment to grassroots development.
“I believe in supporting development that touches the lives of people directly.
“This hall is one example of that. A project built for the people and by the people. Let this hall be a reminder that progress starts at the community level and that when we work hand in hand, we can build a stronger, united Nukufero,” he said.
He urged the community to maintain the facility.
“I urge everyone to take good care of this hall. Let us use it wisely and maintain it for children and future generations.
“Let this place be filled with positive activities, peace, learning, fellowship, and cooperation,” he said.
Nukufero Community Hall Vice Chairman Aquila Manongisefu on behalf of Nukufero community, thanked Salopuka for his support.
“Thank you Honorable MP for your unwavering support in financing the community hall, a cry that the people have been longing for so long.
“You have answered our cry in ensuring activities are done under proper shelter.
“In this connection, we the people of Nukufero wish to sincerely thank and acknowledge you Honorable MP for stepping in very early to fund the construction of this significant milestone in the history of Nukufero village,” he said.
Manongisefu provided historical context, noting that the previous village hall dated back to the 1960s had been replaced through the MP’s intervention.
“The importance of the village hall cannot be underestimated.
“It used to range from community events such as meetings, cultural events, Christmas parties; bringing together people from the villages and surrounding communities, including visiting groups and government delegations,” he said.
He concluded by urging the community to take proper care of the community hall.
“In this connection, once again, I thank Honorable MP and your delegation for your support and for your dedication to complete this community hall, which the people of Nukufero will benefit a lot from.
“For that, I urge the people of Nukufero to care for this facility, which our Honorable MP for Savo Russell has so kindly and generously supported us as we witnessed today and has handed over to us, the people of Nukufero.
“Without that support, we cannot have that community hall completed.
“So, I personally, on behalf of the people of Nukufero, I kindly and rather have to thank you, Honorable MP for your support and for your kind assistance to fulfill our cry for this community hall,” he said.
The handover ceremony was a testament to collaborative efforts, bringing together locals and officials to celebrate a new chapter for Nukufero.
The hall is expected to serve as a vital space for cultural, social, and developmental activities in the coming years.
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