Morung Express News
Mokokchung | December 5
In Mokokchung, faced with the deplorable condition of the roads and the indifference of the State Government, residents, ward councils, organizations, and unions have been undertaking voluntary road repair work to address the issue for a long time.
One such effort was recently initiated by the Ongpangkong Kaketshir Mungdang (OKM) in September 2024. They undertook repairs on the stretch of road from Rotary Junction to the IOC Petrol Pump intersection in Mokokchung town, which had become a significant concern for residents. This road, part of the arterial Mariani Road, has seen multiple temporary fixes by the various Taxi Unions’, other organizations, and concerned citizens, but it remains largely neglected by the relevant authorities.
The road falls under the jurisdiction of the Urban Development Department and has been overlooked despite its critical importance to the town. In May 2024, the chairmans of five wards in Mokokchung town—Sangtemla, Arkong, Aongza, Salangtem, and Kichutip—submitted a plea to the Director of the Urban Development Department of Nagaland in Kohima, seeking special sanction for repairs. The Ao Senden, has also raised the issue.
The plea highlighted the deteriorating condition of the road, describing it as neglected for many years. It emphasized the lack of a proper drainage system and called for immediate repairs.
Speaking to The Morung Express, Tongpangmayang, President of OKM, referred to the road from the IOC Petrol Pump to Rotary Junction as a “lifeline” for Mokokchung. He explained that this road serves as a hub for the town, hosting three or more major schools, a bustling market and residents. Its deplorable condition during the monsoon season led to accidents, vehicular damage, and severe traffic problems, especially during school hours. This compelled OKM to initiate minor repairs in consultation with the district administration, supported by donations and contributions from well-wishers.
He stated that OKM deliberately refrained from using concrete plaster for the repairs to avoid giving the authorities an excuse to ignore the issue. According to Tongpangmayang, the Urban Development Department has assured that repairs will be carried out soon. “As a civil society group, we are only a pressure group. Now that we have initiated action, we will see it through to the end. If proper action is not taken, OKM will take further steps,” he said. He also urged the government to act, noting that the public has already done its part.
Out of the many citizen-led road repair initiatives in Mokokchung, some in recent memory include the Dilong Ward Yimden, in collaboration with the local church, had repaired roads connecting Alempang Ward and Salangtem Ward via Lower Dilong Ward. Residents of Circular Road in Sangtemla Ward, touching parts of Upper Penli, Upper Majakong, Upper Artang, and Upper Arkong wards, have contributed to concreting sections of the existing road. Yimyu Ward residents also repaired the deteriorated Nagachari Road through a voluntary initiative, focusing on the segment from the IOC Petrol Pump to Khensa Gate via NI Jamir School. This road, last repaired more than 15 years ago, connects key locations like NI Jamir School and the EAC (Ongpangkong) Office. Additionally, a stretch marking the boundary between Sangtemla and Arkong wards was paved through contributions from resident families in the neighborhood.
The Ao Senden President, Marsanen Imsong, acknowledged the commendable efforts of citizens, unions, and even churches in initiating these repairs. However, he cautioned that the government should not take advantage of such community initiatives. “When citizens step in, it indicates how vital the issue is. The government must prioritize these needs,” he said. He stressed that these are temporary solutions and cannot be sustained indefinitely.
The last major road repair effort in Mokokchung was the district hospital road, repaired after a call for a “Total Vehicular Bandh” by a core committee of four wards—Penli, Majakong, Lijaba Lijen, and Artang in 2023. While the major repair of NH-2 from Km 117 (Sewak Gate) to Km 156 (DEF) in 2022, though initially successful, saw potholes appear shortly after, raising concerns about quality control.
Good roads are the arteries of development. In a place like Mokokchung, where roadways are the only means of transportation, their importance cannot be overstated. While the community’s resilience is commendable, it is not sustainable as a long-term solution. The government must step up and address these urgent needs.
