28/06/2026
Greater Port Harcourt: Community participation promotes confidence in project delivery
· New Port City project will stimulate economic growth – Bennett Chu
The Ag. Administrator of the Greater Port Harcourt City, Bennett Chu Esq., said no development project succeeds without the cooperation and confidence of its host communities, adding that sustainable urban development has consistently demonstrated that infrastructure alone does not build cities; but trust, partnership, transparency, and inclusion build cities.
He also emphasized that the development of the New Port City in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, will stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, improve infrastructure, attract investment, and enhance the quality of life of present and future generations,
The GPH boss said these yesterday in Port Harcourt, at a Two-Day New Port City Stakeholders Advisory Committee Retreat, with the theme: Strengthening Community Partnership and Strategic Oversight for Sustainable City Development; adding that the ambitious project represents a shared vision between the Rivers State Government, and Rainbow Heritage Development Company Limited, in a Joint Venture arrangement, under the supervision of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority.
“Beyond our regulatory mandate, we also serve as the representative of the Rivers State Government in ensuring that the interests of government, investors, and host communities remain properly aligned throughout the life cycle of this project”, the Ag. Administrator stated.
Mr. Bennett Chu also affirmed that community relations are not merely an administrative responsibility, but a strategic pillar upon which the success or failure of the New Port City Project depends. He charged the Stakeholders Advisory Committee members to serve as the bridge between the project developers and the host communities; stating that as a regulatory Authority and representative of the Rivers State Government, the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority has high expectations of the Committee, since the retreat provides a strategic platform for reflection, dialogue, planning, and renewed commitment to the successful implementation of one of the most ambitious urban development projects in Rivers State.
“Your role extends beyond consultation; you are also expected to build confidence, facilitate dialogue, promote understanding, and ensure that concerns are addressed before they become conflicts” the administrator expressed.
He also advised them to always protect project assets through community partnership; provide timely feedback to both the Authority and the developer; encourage local participation in lawful project activities; discourage misinformation and activities capable of disrupting development. Bar. Chu also stressed that the success of the New Port City Project will not be determined solely by engineering excellence or financial investment, adding that it will equally depend on the quality of relationships we build with our host communities.
In his remarks, the Group Managing Director of the Rainbow Heritage, Mr. Oliver Biedima, said they adopted the Stakeholder Integrative Mechanism to promote community participation and inclusion, adding the New Port City development is not an estate, rather an independent modern city. Mr. Biedima also stated that arrangements have been concluded to train youths from the host communities on useful skills needed for the project to improve their livelihoods. However, he appealed for greater collaborations from stakeholders and the general public for the success of the project.
Media Team #
