Nagaland CM commissions water supply plant

Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday said that water has become a precious commodity and setting up of water plants and its maintenance comes with a cost which is related to water treatment and power supply, therefore public support and cooperation by paying of taxes to the PHE Department as fees should be carried out.
Commissioning a new water supply project for Kohima town by pumping from Zari River at a water treatment plant site in Mima village under Kohima district, Rio, on behalf of the Government and the PHE Department extended his appreciation to the source owners as well as the Southern Angami people, particularly Mima and Kezoma village, for their contribution in the augmentation of the water supply. He stated that the project started in 2012, took some time to implement due to misunderstanding on land issues, natural calamities and the COVID-19 pandemic and some technical difficulties that led to the delay in commissioning of the project. He said, ‘Water is the lifeline of any living being’, and a city can only flourish well if the proper water supply is established. He also urged for cooperation from the department, the villagers, town dwellers and the beneficiaries and to take care of the water plant.
Rio said that the state capital has been facing scarcity of water and the requirements and demands of the public are not in proportion so the aim is to start a water plant from Dzukou – which will have a vital topology for water plants, is being proposed for any financial aid. He also opined for outsourcing and privatization of such projects in the near future so that profit sharing will benefit both the government and the source owner.
Nagaland Minister PHED Jacob Zhimomi extending his appreciation to the benevolent villagers reminded that taking forward the customs and traditions of our forefathers for sharing whatever we have, this project is a testament that their descendants have not failed them and appealed that this spirit should continue. He mentioned that this project was not a complete solution but a huge relief for the dwellers of Kohima town and assured that proper maintenance and operation from the part of the department will be taken care of. The project took a little time to complete but despite all the difficulties a major task has been achieved, he added.