Minister of Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Metsubo Jamir said that villages are becoming empty due to urban migration and that the only remedy to migration was to improve rural life, so that urban areas do not suffer from population congestion.
The minister was interacting with media persons on the sidelines of a Thanks Giving Service held on Wednesday in Mokokchung at his residence in Sangtemla Ward.
Metsubo stated that “the process of rural development is urbanisation.” He said that the priority of his ministry was to maintain the best possible basic amenities and public utilities of an urban area, like waste management, proper drainage systems, adequate water facilities, smooth traffic flow, etc. At the same time, he said that the people should be embodied with civic sense and hygiene.
Moreover, the Minister highlighted that a municipality functions, apart from grants from the government, with municipal tool tax collections but he lamented that such taxes could not be employed in our land due to strong opposition from land owners.
He also stated that proper demarcation of villages and towns would go a long way in proper administration of a town.
Speaking about the withholding of the critical ‘Municipal Elections’, the Minster stated that a fast phase revision of the Municipal Act was under process, so that elections could be held at the earliest with due consent from the people.
While deliberating the issue of Kohima Smart City, Metsubo Jamir said that the nomenclature ‘Smart City’, does not imply that a city undergoes an overnight drastic make over. He stated that it only means that basic amenities and facilities are utilised to their maximum, such as easing traffic congestion, proper water supply, etc.
Metsubo added that some of the unfinished parking lots in different parts of the capital had been revamped with earnest urgency to ease traffic.
Earlier, while delivering his speech for the programme, Metsubo Jamir thanked the people of his constituency for offering him an opportunity to serve the people.
He called on his supporters and the people in general to stand ever united to staunchly aspire and work for the general upliftment of the Naga people.
Later, short speeches were delivered by the representatives of the 5 ward authorities of his constituency, All Ward president, Ungma Village Council, Longsa Union Mokokchung, Changki Union Mokokchung and a host of well wishers. The Word of God was shared by MTBA Pastor, Rev. Ponen Longchar and God’s presence was invoked by MTBA Deacon, Rev. Nungshi and the service was conducted by Home Missionary, Tiayanger.