Mangkolemba town will have its own community park called the ‘Central Park’- an initiative spearheaded by the ADC and the community. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | July 28
Mangkolemba town is set to have its own community park called the ‘Central Park’- an initiative spearheaded by the ADC and built together with efforts from every section in the community.
Like most unplanned urban areas in Nagaland, Mangkolemba town did not have any recreational areas or landmarks despite 25 years of its existence.
The park is constructed at the Zero point area in the town where the foundation stone of the Mangkolemba block was laid by the then DC Major Khating in 1962. Sensing the historical significance and to provide the public with a landmark, the ADC spearheaded the construction which began earlier this year and is on the verge of completion.
The community park consists of a kids play area, toilets, a waiting shed, water facilities and a small space to organise events.
It was an uphill battle, recalls Mangkolemba EAC Kedale Sebu. The park area had to be extended on two sides besides constructing retaining walls, and diverting a drain to extend the area. "The project began with two lakhs received as Grant in aid from the Municipal however the fund was already exhausted because of the many foundational constructions," said Sebu.
A team was then constituted with the Administration as head, assisted by the Mangkolemba Town Council and with various civil society organisations and the Church supporting the initiative.
“All the wards in Mangkolemba assigned 10 volunteers each to help out in the construction, while each department also contributed in their own capacity,” informed Bodi Kapfo, EAC Alongkima, Convenor of the project citing that the swings and slides for the kids play area were contributed by the District Child Protection Unit (Social Welfare department), lights provided by the Power Department, drainages constructed by the PWD
“When we made a 3D model of the park and gave a PowerPoint presentation to the HoDs of various departments, many of them voluntarily came forward with donations,” stated Sebu.
Watching the work in progress, Sebu mentioned that people came forward to help out, further adding that the project continues to depend on the goodwill of the people.
