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Editorial

When Communities Fix Roads, What Does It Say About Governance?

ByMOKOKCHUNG TIMES

Jan 27, 2025 #community, #government, #Mokokchung, #Roads

The acts of local residents in Mokokchung stepping forward to repair long neglected roads are a common sight, which is both inspiring and troubling. While their initiative to repair roads and patch potholes is commendable, it also raises serious questions about the role and effectiveness of governance. The report of local residents of Archemok Sector in Mokokchung stepping forward to repair a decade-old neglected road is a case in point.

This situation highlights both the resilience of communities and the gaps in governmental responsibility. While it’s commendable that local residents have taken the initiative to repair roads and address a decade-long issue, such actions also raise significant questions about the government’s role and accountability. When citizens step in to perform tasks typically under the purview of the government, it proves a failure in public administration. Roads, especially those connecting key institutions, should not be left to deteriorate for over a decade.

Road infrastructure is a basic necessity that directly impacts daily life and economic activity. Its maintenance falls squarely under the government’s purview, and prolonged inaction signals a failure of accountability and prioritization. Temporary solutions initiated by citizens cannot substitute for systematic intervention by authorities. Moreover, not all communities possess the resources or organizational capacity to undertake such initiatives, making this a potential equity issue.

The residents have appealed for proper carpeting of the road, a plea that warrants immediate attention. The government must not only act swiftly but also establish mechanisms to prevent such neglect in the future. Regular maintenance schedules, improved resource allocation, and transparent communication with citizens are critical steps toward rebuilding trust.

While Mokokchung’s community spirit deserves applause, it serves as a reminder that good governance should aim to empower people without forcing them to shoulder responsibilities that belong to the state. Community participation should complement – not replace – government action. Citizens can collaborate, but the onus of building and maintaining infrastructure must remain with the government. Infrastructure like roads is a public good, and ensuring their upkeep is a fundamental responsibility of the state.

MT

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