Kohima: Ward 19 App for digital governance launched

Our CorrespondentKohima | October 15Ward-19 App, an initiative of Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) Ward-19 councillor Medoviu Martin Suohu was launched on October 15 by Kohima Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem.Gracing the launching ceremony at Central Plaza, Multi-Level Car Parking, Kohima, the DC Kohima congratulated Suohu and residents for the initiative, stating that the App had the potential to improve communication system between citizens and ward authorities, facilitate reporting of local issues and enhance access to information.He urged the concerned authorities to ensure that the application remained user-friendly, secure and responsive.Highlighting Kohima’s branded as the “First District” of Nagaland, Buchem said the distinction carried the responsibility of setting an example in public service delivery, innovation, cleanliness and citizen engagement.He also referred to the forthcoming 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Office of the Deputy Commissioner at Kohima.Emphasising civic responsibility, he expressed concern over littering and improper waste disposal, stating that maintaining a clean city required collective efforts beyond municipal authorities and sanitation workers. He urged every ward to develop its own solid waste management plan and encouraged households to segregate wet and dry waste at source, avoid littering and dispose of waste responsibly.“The responsibility for a clean Kohima begins at home,” he stressed, adding that lasting change required a shift in public attitudes and greater personal responsibility.He also called for responsible pet ownership, urging residents to keep their dogs on leashes, properly dispose of pet waste and ensure that vehicles were parked without inconveniencing others.Buchem said good governance depended on cooperation among the district administration, KMC, ward authorities, community organisations and citizens.He expressed hope that Ward-19 would lead by example in promoting cleanliness, responsible waste management and citizen participation.Stay informed, stayed connectedSpeaking on the initiative, Suohu said that this app has been developed to keep the citizens of Ward 19, Kohima, informed, connected and engaged with their local council. It enables citizens to stay updated on ward activities and upcoming events, learn about their council members, submit grievances and access images and updates from various ward events and activities.He said the platform would help overcome the communication limitations of WhatsApp groups and provide business contacts, including hardware stores, restaurants and other establishments, to facilitate connections between buyers and sellers. He informed that sanitation-related features, including waste collection truck tracking, would soon be introduced, with green and red indicators representing wet and dry waste respectively to facilitate segregation.He also announced that the Ward-19 cemetery is expected to become operational in December, describing it as one of the first of its kind among KMC wards. Later, he donated a laptop with printer and walkie-talkies to Ward-19.Digital community appEr Benny Suohu said that the Ward Connect is a digital community app designed to bring important ward information, local updates, grievance submission and public services closer to the residents of Ward 19 Kohima. It aims to make communication easier between residents and ward representatives, helping people stay informed, participate in community matters and access important information directly from their phones.The Version 1.0 featured a grievance portal, developmental gallery, council directory, emergency contacts and notifications to improve communication and transparency. The Version 2.0 will introduce a directory of local entrepreneurs, businesses and service providers operating within Ward 19. It will include their names, contact numbers and relevant details to help residents easily connect with them for their everyday needs.She said that Version 3.0 aims to introduce a live GPS tracking feature for garbage collection vehicles. Residents will be able to view the real-time location of the garbage truck through the app and plan when to bring out their garbage. This feature is intended to reduce the time residents spend waiting by the roadside for the garbage truck and make waste collection more convenient and efficient.The Version 4.0 will introduce an online sanitation fee payment facility within the app, allowing residents to pay their sanitation fees conveniently through their mobile phones. The feature aims to simplify fee collection, reduce the need for door-to-door visits and improve the efficiency, convenience and accountability of sanitation fee.KMC Chief Executive Officer Alemyapang Longchar and Ward-19 Council chairman Kekhruhol Mekro also delivered short speech, The programme was chaired by Rosemary, President, Lower P.R. Hill Women Union while Oto Angami, General Secretary, Ward-19 Council delivered welcome address. Vote of thanks was proposed by Neingusanuo Zhiephru, President, Supply Colony Women Union.