Advisor for Water Resources, Tongpang Ozukum, inaugurates the Sungkomen Ward Council’s new community building, “Arok Kilem,” in Mokokchung Town on June 27.
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | June 28
The Sungkomen Ward Council today inaugurated its newly constructed community building, ‘Arok Kilem,’ in Mokokchung Town, Nagaland. The project, built at a cost of Rs 18.43 lakh, was formally unveiled by Tongpang Ozukum, Advisor for Water Resources, Government of Nagaland. The inauguration ceremony was attended by ward leaders, local community members, and government officials.
Speaking at the event, Advisor Ozukum commended the Sungkomen Ward Council and the Building Construction Committee for their determination in completing the project despite financial and logistical limitations. He remarked that the establishment of a dedicated community building marked a significant step in strengthening ward-level development and governance.
Highlighting the financial challenges in public infrastructure development, Ozukum asserted that government funding alone cannot meet all local needs. He encouraged ward leaders to explore alternative means of revenue generation, such as crowd funding, donations, and community-driven contributions. While many wards have already adopted these models, he emphasized the need for more sustainable and structured approaches to reduce dependence on external sources.
Ozukum also addressed the evolving landscape of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Nagaland, noting that the state is only recently implementing the ULB system—long established in other parts of the country. He called on citizens and local leaders to familiarize themselves with the ULB framework and take proactive roles in ensuring its effective implementation. He emphasized that strong and informed leadership at the grassroots level is critical for the success of urban governance.
Stressing the importance of urban reforms, the Advisor said that Nagaland’s municipalities are still in the early stages of development. He noted that while the central government offers support for urban initiatives, meaningful progress requires active community participation and a shared sense of responsibility. Referring to cleanliness and waste management, particularly under the Swachh Bharat Mission, Ozukum encouraged efforts like plastic-free wards and proper waste segregation, even in the absence of substantial dedicated funding.
He also touched on India’s national goal to become a developed nation by 2047 under the Viksit Bharat mission, and said that Nagaland is aligning with this vision through the state-level “Viksit Nagaland” initiative. A meeting was held earlier this month, he informed, to identify key developmental areas, and the state is beginning to take steps in that direction. While progress may take time, he maintained that a collaborative approach between citizens and the government will be essential for long-term success.
In a nod to recent developments in Sungkomen Ward, Ozukum lauded the installation of CCTV cameras as a vital measure for enhancing public safety. He noted that such initiatives, though modest in scale, contribute meaningfully to the overall quality of urban life.
