Correspondent
KOHIMA, OCT 15 (NPN): Ward-19 of Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) launched the Ward Connect mobile application on Wednesday to improve communication with residents, strengthen sanitation management and promote local businesses.
The initiative of Ward-19 councillor Medoviu Martin Suohu was developed with voluntary support from app developers from the ward, without a dedicated budget or government funding. The application aims to provide residents with a common digital platform for accessing ward-related information, submitting grievances and receiving civic updates.
Addressing the launch programme at Central Plaza, Multi-Level Car Parking, Kohima, deputy commissioner B. Henok Buchem, appreciated the councillor’s commitment to public service and said digital technology could help bridge the gap between residents and local administration. However, he stressed that the application’s success would depend on its effectiveness in addressing people’s everyday concerns.
Buchem also underscored the need for collective responsibility in maintaining cleanliness and improving solid waste management.
He said new rules based on environmental compensation for polluters were expected to come into force shortly and urged every ward to formulate a waste management plan suited to its needs.
Calling for proper segregation of wet and dry waste, he urged residents to avoid littering and dumping garbage in drains and open spaces. He stressed that municipal authorities and sanitation workers alone could not keep the city clean without public cooperation.
On responsible pet ownership, the DC said KMC had issued an order to address the problem of dogs roaming freely. Under the order, KMC authorities, in coordination with the police, would catch roaming dogs and keep them in a shelter at the owners’ expense. He urged dog owners to leash their pets in public places and carry bags to collect and properly dispose of pet waste.
Explaining the rationale behind the application, Suohu said the existing WhatsApp group, with around 3,500 members, had limitations in reaching all residents through a single group. He appealed to youth organisations from the ward’s five colonies to help residents, particularly senior citizens, learn to use the app.
Councillor Medoviu Martin Suohu, while introducing the application, said its features included Know Your Council, a grievance portal, a development gallery, emergency contacts and a notification zone for garbage collection schedules.
He said subsequent versions were planned to introduce a local business directory in Version 2.0, live GPS tracking of garbage collection vehicles in Version 3.0 and online collection of sanitation fees in Version 4.0.
The councillor also said efforts were being made to explore the integration of information on government welfare schemes, including links to official websites, in consultation with the relevant departments.
Suohu encouraged local entrepreneurs to upload their business details to the platform to help residents discover neighbourhood products and services. He said the application would initially focus on meeting the needs of Ward-19 residents, with further upgrades and possible government support to be explored later. If successful, the model could be replicated across all 19 wards of Kohima.
He also announced plans to establish a cemetery for Ward-19 in December, subject to the necessary No Objection Certificate and other clearances. In addition, he highlighted a scholarship initiative by youth groups from the ward’s five colonies to assist students with educational expenses, particularly admission-related costs.
As part of the programme, Suohu donated a laptop, a printer and 10 walkie-talkie units to Ward-19 Council chairman Kekhruhol Mekro for official use.
The programme was chaired by president of the Lower P.R. Hill Women Union, Rosemary, and began with an invocation by associate pastor of NCRC Ao, Alemla Jamir. The welcome address was delivered by general secretary of Ward-19 Council, Oto Angami, followed by a special number presented by Avibou Belho.
CEO of the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), Alemyapang Longchar and Kekhruhol Mekro also addressed the gathering. The vote of thanks was proposed by Neingusanuo Ziephrü, president of the Supply Colony Women Union.
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