Community rallies to fix Alempang Ward's pothole-ridden roads

MOKOKCHUNG — Plagued by potholed roads, the Alempang Ward Authority has intensified efforts to mend the dilapidated intra-ward roads over the past six days by mobilising residents. Through collective funding and sheer determination, the community has transformed a notorious network of potholes into a smoother pathway.

Such grassroots initiatives are nothing new in Nagaland's rural and semi-urban wards, sparked by years of public frustration over the government's inaction in addressing basic infrastructure needs, which are left in tatters.

Lemasashi, chairman of the Alempang Ward Authority, recounted the road's sorry history. The primary intra-connecting road, vital for linking households, schools, and markets within the ward, was last given a proper facelift by the government in 2018.

By the end of 2023, relentless monsoons and neglect had carved it into a gauntlet of craters, with some potholes plunging as deep as two feet.

“Even sturdy vehicles struggle to navigate these hazards,” Lemasashi said in exasperation.

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“Daily commuters and general public heading to work, students rushing to classes, and families visiting clinics, face constant risks of breakdowns and delays. It wasn't just an inconvenience; it was a daily ordeal that eroded our quality of life.”

The ward's plight isn't isolated; Mokokchung, nestled in the hilly terrain of Nagaland, has long grappled with crumbling infrastructure exacerbated by heavy rainfall and limited maintenance budgets.

Alempang, the largest among the town's 18 wards, spans a diverse landscape with over 900 households from various walks of life.  The demographic mosaic of Alempang enriched the community's fabric but it also amplified the need for reliable roads to foster economic activity and social cohesion.

The escalating public outcry reached a fever pitch by mid-2025, prompting the ward authority to act decisively. In July 2025 the authority resolved to respond to residents' voices of desperation.

The Ward authority resolved to launch a community collection drive, bypassing official channels entirely. The funding model was pragmatic and inclusive, tailored to the ward's economic realities. Contributions were tiered into three categories: owners of four-wheelers were asked to donate INR 1,000, two-wheeler owners INR 500, and the general public INR 300 per household.

Exemptions were granted to senior citizens aged 80 and above, as well as students living in rented accommodations pursuing higher education in Mokokchung's colleges, the chairman said.

The response was nothing short of overwhelming. Within weeks, collection boxes overflowed, and cash pledges poured in from every corner. “I am deeply grateful to our residents for embracing this call to action,” he said.

Beyond household contributions, the drive received support from MLA and Advisor Tongpang Ozukum, MMC councillor Maongtula and Alempang Baptist Church.

Even neighbouring entities like the Lendang Sector of Mokokchung Village and the Alongmen Ward Authority extended aid, alongside anonymous well-wishers from within and outside the ward.

Spearheading the on-ground efforts is Shilu Imchen, convenor of the repair committee, who has been a tireless coordinator since the project kicked off on October 11.

“We've been at it for nearly a week now, with no elaborate lunches — just simple tea and puri to keep the energy up,” Imchen shared, adding “Yet, these volunteers are incredibly hardworking. We never anticipated such dedication; it's humbling to see young and old alike swinging picks and shovels under the autumn sun.”

Imchen reported that crews have already completed 70 percent of the route, employing cost-effective techniques suited to their modest budget.

With the current momentum, the team anticipates completing the project by October 21, covering approximately 4 kilometers, he said.

This initiative's success, however, casts a stark shadow on governmental inertia.

When pressed on whether the ward had sought departmental assistance, Lemasashi's response was candid and cutting: “We never even approached the authorities because we know for sure they wouldn't do anything.”

 His words echo disillusionment and a total loss of faith in the government when it comes to basic road development.