Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, officially launched the Ward-19 App, an initiative of Ward-19 Councillor Medoviu Martin Suohu under the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), at Central Plaza, Multi-Level Car Parking, Kohima, on October 15, 2026.
Addressing the gathering as the special guest, Buchem congratulated the councillor and residents for the initiative, stating that the app had the potential to improve communication 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 identity 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, the Deputy Commissioner 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.
Speaking on the initiative, Councillor Medoviu Martin Suohu urged colony members to assist elderly residents and those unfamiliar with technology in accessing the app. 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 was expected to become operational in December, describing it as one of the first of its kind among KMC wards. He appreciated the youth-led initiative to support children in securing admissions and donated a laptop with printer and walkie-talkies to Ward-19.
Introducing the application, Er. Benny Suohu said the Ward-19 Connect App, Version 1.0, featured a grievance portal, developmental gallery, council directory, emergency contacts and notifications to improve communication and transparency. He outlined future upgrades, including a local business directory, fixed sanitation schedules, GPS tracking of garbage collection vehicles and online payment of sanitation fees. He encouraged residents to actively use the platform and provide feedback to improve its services.
The programme was chaired by Rosemary, President of the Lower P.R. Hill Women Union. The invocation was pronounced by Alemla Jamir, Associate Pastor, NCRC Ao, while Oto Angami, General Secretary, Ward-19 Council, delivered the welcome address. Avibou Belho presented a special number.
KMC Chief Executive Officer, Alemyapang Longchar and Ward-19 Chairman Kekhruhol Mekro gave short speeches. The vote of thanks was delivered by Neingusanuo Zhiephru, President of the Supply Colony Women Union.
(DPRO, Kohima)
