Kohima, Oct 15: Ward 19 of the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) on Thursday launched its first digital community application, ‘Ward Connect’ (W19), to improve transparency, strengthen communication between residents and ward representatives, and make civic services more accessible.
The application was launched at Central Plaza, Multi-Level Car Parking, Kohima, by Deputy Commissioner B. Henok Buchem, NCS. The initiative was spearheaded by Ward 19 Councillor Medoviu Martin Suohu.
Ward Connect brings together ward information, grievance submission, updates on development works, emergency contacts and garbage collection notifications on a single platform. Its features include a ‘Know Your Council’ section, a grievance portal, a development gallery, emergency contacts, important updates and garbage collection schedules for the ward’s five colonies.
The development gallery will allow residents to view photographs of projects undertaken using ward funds, providing greater public access to information on local development works.
Addressing the launch, Buchem congratulated the Ward 19 Council and Councillor Martin, saying technology could make governance more accessible, efficient and responsive. He said Kohima, as Nagaland’s first district, should lead by example in innovation, public service delivery, cleanliness and transparent administration.
However, he stressed that the application’s success would depend on its practical usefulness, not merely its launch. He urged the ward authorities to keep the platform user-friendly, secure and responsive to grievances, while retaining alternative channels for residents who face difficulties accessing digital services.
Buchem also called for greater public participation in maintaining cleanliness and improving solid waste management. He said responsibility for a clean city rested not only with municipal authorities, ward representatives and sanitation workers, but also with households, businesses and the wider community.
“A beautiful Kohima should not only exist in drone photographs. It must also be beautiful when we walk around the streets,” he said.
He urged residents to segregate waste at source, dispose of garbage responsibly and avoid littering, dumping waste into drains or using open spaces as disposal grounds. He also called on Ward 19 to develop a solid waste management plan suited to residents’ needs in coordination with municipal authorities.
The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the need for responsible parking and pet ownership, including preventing dogs from roaming freely and ensuring proper disposal of pet waste.
During the presentation, organisers outlined plans to expand the application’s services through future upgrades. Version 2.0 is expected to introduce a directory of local businesses and service providers, along with a fixed sanitation schedule. Version 3.0 is planned to include live GPS tracking of garbage collection vehicles, while Version 4.0 proposes online payment of sanitation fees through mobile phones.
Speaking to the media, Councillor Medoviu Martin Suohu said the application was designed to make ward information, public services and communication with elected representatives more accessible. He urged residents to use the platform, submit grievances and provide feedback to improve its effectiveness.
The programme was chaired by Rosemary, president of the Lower P.R. Hill Women Union. Alemla Jamir, Associate Pastor of NCRC Ao, offered the invocation, while Oto Angami, general secretary of the Ward 19 Council, delivered the welcome address. Er. Benny Suohu introduced the application.
Avibou Belho presented a special number, while short speeches were delivered by Councillor Martin, Alemyapang Longchar, CEO of KMC, and Kekhruhol Mekro, chairman of Ward 19. Neingusanuo Zhiephru, president of the Supply Colony Women Union, delivered the vote of thanks.
Ward Connect aims to establish a more direct link between residents and ward authorities. Its long-term effectiveness will depend on public participation, timely grievance redressal and consistent service delivery.
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