Neglected Walford and East Block roads in Dimapur get new le
Neglected Walford and East Block roads in Dimapur get new lease of life
After years of neglect and seasonal flooding, the Walford and East Block roads under Ward-4 in Dimapur have finally been redeveloped, bringing relief to residents
A view of the newly constructed Walford road in Dimapur on
Monday.
DIMAPUR — After years of neglect and seasonal flooding,
the Walford and East Block roads under Ward-4 in Dimapur—once resembling
slum-like conditions—have finally been redeveloped, bringing relief to
residents. The roads were formally inaugurated on Monday by Advisor for Tribal
Affairs, H Tovihoto Ayemi.
In his address, Ayemi acknowledged the long-standing neglect
of the Walford and East Block roads and expressed satisfaction that the
long-pending issue was now addressed. He asserted that the development of these
roads had been one of his priorities, as the area also serves ‘as the face of
Dimapur.’
The two roads, measuring 2,100 and 2,300 metres
respectively, were constructed under the Department of Tribal Affairs, funded
through Article 275(1) of the Indian Constitution. Ayemi reiterated that good
roads are a basic necessity, and the completion of this project is a major step
toward improving infrastructure in the area.
Advisor for Tribal Affairs H Tovihoto Ayemi inaugurates the
Walford road in Dimapur on Monday.
Speaking on the evolving policies in road development, the
legislator pointed out that multiple departments are involved in road
construction—such as the National Highway Authority, PWD, Border Roads
Organisation (under Project Sewak), and the Urban Development department.
However, with recent policy changes, urban road development
responsibilities are gradually being transferred to the Urban Development
department. He admitted that the transition has caused confusion and delays in
project implementation and funding allocation.
"Development is a never-ending process, and while we
can't meet every individual's expectations, I will always prioritise community
development," Ayemi said.
On another issue, the advisor also touched upon the
formation of the ‘5 Tribes Committee on Review of Reservation Policy’, which
has given the state government a 30-day ultimatum to review a policy that has
remained unchanged for over 50 years. Ayemi agreed that the reservation policy
should be reviewed every 10 years and expressed hope that the matter is being
‘worked out.’
He also suggested a review of the Gaon Bura (GB)
institution, which was introduced by the British in 1886 and continues to be in
practice. Ayemi urged community elders and leaders to reflect on the relevance
of the GBs and councils in the current context and who should administer.
Zulu Ozükum, advisor of the Central Colony Walford (CCW),
expressed gratitude, noting that the area had begun witnessing development
since 2018. However, he raised concerns about the drainage system, which often
clogs during monsoons. He urged the Dimapur Municipal Council Sanitation Branch
not only to collect garbage and fees but also to actively work on clearing
blocked drains.
