Dimapur bodies question infrastructure readiness for prepaid meters

DIMAPUR —  A joint general meeting convened by the Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF), Dimapur District GBs’ Association, and GB Union Dimapur Sadar on Saturday deliberated on issues surrounding the rollout of the smart prepaid meter system in Dimapur.

Addressing the media after the meeting, DUCCF president Zasivikho Zakiesato said the house extensively discussed concerns over the new meter system.

He informed that the organisations had earlier submitted written appeals two to three times to the administration, urging revocation of the order issued by the Nagaland commissioner mandating installation of smart prepaid meters and threatening arrest of GBs resisting the move.

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Zakiesato stressed that cooperation would not be possible under such strict directives. “If the department seeks our cooperation, they must revoke the order,” he said, adding that their stand remains firm on the three-point recommendations submitted to the government.

He underlined that as public leaders, they are not always opposed to government initiatives but transparency is essential. Citing discrepancies, he pointed out that while the department claimed new meters would replace the old ones at no cost, the committee’s findings revealed that consumers were being charged INR 300 for installation.

“This should not be the case, and we seek clarification,” he added.

Zakiesato warned that if the department goes ahead with forced implementation, the three organisations may withhold cooperation, leading to misunderstandings.

The DUCCF president also raised concerns about outdated infrastructure, stating that most electric poles and wires in Dimapur are 30 to 40 years old. “We question whether the existing infrastructure is compatible with the new system,” he said, pointing out that the department admitted there was no budget for infrastructure upgrades in the first phase.

Dr. Kahuka Sema, convener of the fact-finding committee, said that the meeting officially shared their findings with the public. He outlined the three recommendations: first, to prioritise installation of smart meters in government offices, institutions, industries, and commercial establishments; second, to immediately improve infrastructure such as electric poles, transformers, and cables; and third, to give domestic consumers the option to either adopt smart prepaid meters or retain the existing postpaid system.

He added that feedback from consumers in the New Market area revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the new system.

Speaking at the press conference, Dimapur District GB Association general secretary Nieba Kesiezie said the bodies were not preventing anyone from opting for prepaid meters. “We are only voicing concerns on behalf of those who do not wish to adopt it,” he said.

Meanwhile, GB Union Dimapur Sadar president W Kholie Kapfo reminded that GBs serve as agents of the administration but are also chosen by the people. “We must listen to both sides and voice public concerns,” he stated, stressing the need to highlight the practical difficulties of the smart meter system and work out a balanced solution.