Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, MARCH 19
Having felt the need to provide the villagers with better and regular water supply, Phesama village under Southern Angami region has connected a new water source to its village. The facility was inaugurated today by Chief Engineer of Public Health Engineering Department Kevisekho Kruse as the chief guest.The newly connected water source, apart from Phesama villagers, will also feed the populace of Pfüchama village, St Paul School and will even cater to the needs of Kisama heritage as and when needed.
With the new water connection which is sufficient to even feed some neighbouring colonies in Kohima, the Phesama Village Council also has plans to provide water to the populace of New Reserve colony, Kohima including the police headquarters. This was informed by Dr Vilhusa Seleyi, convenor of Phesama Village Water Resource Management Committee (PVWRMC).
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Kevisekho Kruse thanked both Phesama and Jotsoma villages for supplying water constantly to Kohima, which he said has helped tremendously in the expansion and advancement of the State capital.
He informed that the project for the new water connectivity was completed at the cost of Rs 73 lakhs. The main reservoir has a capacity of 50,000 tons reaching out to Phesama and Pfüchama villages and other neighboring places.
Addressing a host of village leaders, elders and students, Kruse also underlined the need for sustainable water supply and sanitation. He urged the villagers to come up with newer approach in exercising developmental activities in the village for others to emulate them.
He told the gathering to not always be dependent on the government for developmental activities, but to initiate activities from the grassroots as and where necessary.
“The government is there for the people. But always anticipating from the government to reach out to you may hinder your progress and advancement. It’s time the Nagas should erase the ‘welfare state concept’ mentality and start initiating from the village level to make Naga society more vibrant,” he said.
On being told about the Village Council’s plan to supply water to the neighboring colonies in Kohima, the chief engineer while appreciating their generosity and good sense of neighborhood, gave assurance to provide assistance and support in all areas possible.
PVWRMC convener Dr Seleyi, who is also the president of the Angami Public Organization (APO), said the plan for the new water supply to the village was decided as the existing connection couldn’t afford to meet the needs of the ever rising population of the village and neighboring areas.
Stating that the said project is a long cherished dream of the villagers, he thanked the PHE department for its sincerity and commitment in completing the project within a short span of time. He also urged the villagers to take proper care and make good use of the new water connection.
At the programme, the award for the cleanest khel under Phesama village was also declared with Viyiema khel emerging as the winner. The award was handed over by Salhoutuonuo Kruse, the lady wife of Kevisekho Kruse.
