PHED & Cooperation Minister Jacob Zhimomi and others with three retiring officers of PHED in Kohima on September 30. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 30
The officers and staffs of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) Nagaland today accorded befitting farewell to three retiring officers in the presence of PHED & Cooperation minister Jacob Zhimomi at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima.
The three retiring officers, who completed 35 years of service included; Er Repangyangba Longkumer, Chief Engineer & HoD, Er N Thsathrichem Sangtam, Chief Engineer WSSO & Sanitation and Er Inashe Kiba, Additional Chief Engineer.
Speaking on the occasion, Jacob Zhimomi congratulated all the three retiring officers for completing 35 years of service for the people of the state. He recalled that the department had a challenging task during 2018-19 as it have to complete the central projects especially Swachh Bharat Mission on time frame.
On sanitation aspects, he said that the department had to declare Open Defecation Free (ODF) for all the villages, wherein the state completed it before the national timeline. The Minister said the department had also equally challenging task for providing Functional Household Tap connection to all the rural villages in Nagaland.
Further, Zhimomi thanked all the retiring officers for guiding the department in the right manner and also giving him the right advice to take the department forward.
E Mhonbemo Patton, Principal Secretary PHED was hopeful that they will carry through the goodwill even in their post-retirement and continue to contribute to the society.
The programme was chaired by Er N Yanger Pongen while vote of thanks was proposed by Er L Leyang Khiamniungan.
Speaking on behalf of Directorate Technical, WSSO and Ministerial Staff, Er Wonjanbeni Odyuo, executive engineer, Sanitation & WSSO PHED said that the three retiring officers has left an indelible mark on the PHED.
She said that Er Repangyangba Longkumer's career has been a testament to hard work, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to the betterment of the department and also the community.
“Throughout his tenure, he has upheld the highest standards of professionalism and has been a beacon of transparency and accountability,” she said adding “Your passion for public service, ethical conduct, and commitment to excellence will serve as guiding principles for all of us as we carry on with works in the PHED.”
Er Odyuo said that Er NThsathrichem Sangtam has been a trailblazer in the field of administration and technical expertise and his contributions have transformed the department for the better.
Under his leadership, our department has achieved numerous milestones, she said adding that “His vision and strategic planning have fostered accomplishments that have had a profound impact on the lives of countless individual and communities.”
Er Inashe Kiba's career in the PHED is a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service, she said adding that the later has shown us that determination and passion can overcome any obstacle.
“His dedication to his work has not only inspired us but has also demonstrated that nothing can hinder the pursuit of excellence,” she said.
To the retiring officers, Er Odyuo said “your retirements are well-earned, and you leave behind legacies that will continue to guide us. We wish you all long and healthy retirements, filled with the joy of spending quality time with your loved ones and pursuing your passions.”
Er Kitoshe Aye said that all the three retiring officers served the department very well and people of the state have benefitted a lot in term of water supply and sanitation.
Representative from Association of Public Health Engineers, Nagaland (APHEN) also spoke at the programme.
Er Repangyangba Longkumer said that the Functional Household Tap Connections in Nagaland is doing quite well with the present progress card stands at 78.71% out of 3.69 lakh rural households in the state.
“There is still a long way to go to achieve the desired goals, but I believe most of the remaining works can be done within the current financial year, he said.
In an Engineering Department such as PHE, the role of the engineers is always the focus of attention, he said and urged the officers to take criticisms in their strides, and try to improve their performance and commitment to duties.
As a service provider department, our field officers and staff' must always be ready to take care of emergency situations, he said.
In order to achieve excellence and provide quality service to the public, we need to reorient our mindset and upgrade our knowledge and practices, he said.
Er Longkumer also stressed on the need to learn the latest trends in engineering and technology.
Our officers, particularly the juniors, must avail the numerous opportunities offered by the Government for higher learning, he said.
He requested all the officers staff to continue to work as a team, with sincerity and dedication and try to bring out the best from each team member, and encourage all to participate in all aspects of managing the department.
Further, Er Longkumer was hopeful that to new Chief Engineer L Leyang Khiamniungan and his team will continue to do good works with greater enthusiasm, and strive to achieve higher goals with the department vision “Sustainable Safe Drinking Water Supply and Environmental Hygiene for All.”
Er Thsathrichem and Er Inashe Kiba also spoke at the programme.
