Minister Kruse inaugurates new building, parking lot in Kohima

KOHIMA — Minister of Women Resource Development and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, on Thursday inaugurated a community building and car parking at Midland (Ward – 9) in Kohima.

The community building and car parking was constructed at a cost of INR 2.91 crore under the Kohima Smart City project’s slum area redevelopment.

Similar facilities have been developed in six wards in Kohima as part of the area-based development of the Smart City project in the past years.

Seven out of 19 wards in Kohima developed and identified as slum area based redevelopment wards are New Market, Daklane, North Block (Kezieke), Nagabazar, Kitsübozou, and D Block, and Midland.

Each of the new facilities can accommodate a dozen vehicles in the parking area besides conference hall, office rooms, kitchen, and other facilities.

Inaugurating the new facility, the minister said that the facility is not just construction of another building; it is the creation of a space, progress, cooperation and community development.

Kruse noted that colonies and wards of Kohima struggle with space constraints, infrastructure deficits, economic competition, environmental sanitation, limited land for development, and water shortages.

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To address these issues requires coordinated urban planning, infrastructure investment, and inclusive community engagement, she said.

“The completion and inauguration of this community hall stands as a testament to our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in this locality,” she said.

The car parking area facility also addresses both social and practical needs, alleviating parking challenges and providing a safe, convenient area for residents and visitors alike, she added.

Kruse said that the government believes true development starts at the grassroots level, and projects like the council hall reflect this vision.

She added that the government will support initiatives that enhance citizens' lives, emphasising that the hall’s success depends on its use. She hoped that the hall will foster unity, cultural activities, and growth.

Chief Executive Officer of Kohima Smart City Development Ltd., Kezha Theunuo, said that the project was sanctioned, tendered, and issued a work order on March 31, 2022, with a budget of INR 2.91 crore.

The project includes construction of a retaining wall, site development, civil works, electrification, sanitary fittings, water supply, and rainwater harvesting reservoir tank.

The CEO informed that there will be an agreement between Kohima Smart City and Midland Council for operation and management. The management will charge a certain amount of rent for using car parking and conference hall. The amount collected will be utilised for the management, staff and maintenance of the building. The net income will be shared on the basis of percentage between Kohima Smart City and Midland Council, Theunuo added.

He highlighted the importance of asset maintenance, noting that most buildings and roads in Nagaland deteriorate prematurely due to a lack of repair and upkeep.

He further requested the Midland Council to maintain the building and perform repairs as needed to keep it safe, functional, and long-lasting.