Calling Mokokchung a “self-help town driven by community,” Advisor for Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation, Imkong L Imchen, lauded the citizens of Mokokchung for their civic spirit and commitment to community development.
Speaking as the special guest at the inauguration of the Golden Jubilee Souvenir Building of the Mangmetong Village Women Union at Sangtemla Ward on June 16, Imchen contrasted the development trajectories of Nagaland’s major urban centres.
“Kohima, being the capital, is a blessing. In Kohima town, at least Rs 200 to Rs 300 crore is being spent by the government per year, while Dimapur is developed by individuals. However, Mokokchung is a ‘self-help’ town which is developed by the community,” he said.
Citing the newly inaugurated building as an example of frugal yet purposeful development, Imchen noted:
“This building was completed with just about Rs 2 crore, whereas some renovation works such as the Town Hall in Dimapur cost Rs 19 crore, and some 16 km of road upgradation is costing Rs 161 crore.”
The building includes an office for Mangmetonglar on the top floor, a conference hall available for hire at Rs 2,000 per day, and four family apartments with parking facilities. The projected monthly income from the building is estimated at Rs 43,500.
He applauded the Mangmetong Village Women Union for their determination and expressed confidence that the building would serve as a symbol of unity and inspiration.
“Our Ao community is a self-help community. It is our civic sense and dedication that has brought us this far,” Imchen said, commending the women for accomplishing the project “with the exact amount needed.”
“Whatever debt remains will surely be cleared when we work in unity and truth. Your purpose is important; you have a vision. Debts can be cleared when unity is strong,” he added.
Rongsenlemla, Convenor of the Construction-cum-Fund Raising Committee, shared the backstory behind the building’s realization. Originally envisioned as a commemorative project for the Golden Jubilee celebration held in 2019, the Union had initially planned to raise funds over five years. However, the committee chose to begin construction earlier in May 2022, completing the building in time for the inauguration.
A total of Rs 1,52,57,000 was spent on the project, with Rs 70 lakhs already cleared and Rs 82.57 lakhs remaining as dues, she informed.
She informed the entire structure was built without an architect—only a contractor was engaged.
“The union members raised and managed funds with compassion and unity,” Rongsenlemla said. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to all contributors and the citizens of Mangmetong for their overwhelming support.
Earlier in the program, greetings were delivered by Watitemjen, VCC; Dr I Lolen Imchen, Pastor, MBA; and Longriwati Imchen, President, MSTM. Tekatsüngla, President, MTM, delivered the welcome address, and a special number was presented by Sütsüngkala Pongen.