DUCCF question DMC on key issues

Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) on Wednesday raised concerns over issues related to parking tax collection, directive to install fire extinguishers and also selection of beneficiaries under the Housing for All scheme.
Addressing the media here at Duncan Basti Community Hall, DUCCF vice president Tongzuk Pongen said the federation was focusing on three key issues requiring urgent review—Housing for All, parking tax, and fire extinguisher requirements for business establishments.
DUCCF vice president Vikheto Chisho alleged that despite Dimapur having 23 wards and 97 colonies with 23 elected councillors, nearly 70% do not consult Gaon Buras (GBs) or colony chairmen on developmental works.
He maintained that only GBs and colony chairmen could identify genuine Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, and urged councillors to consult them. Instead, he alleged many councillors were favouring party workers, supporters and close associates.
On fire safety, Pongen said DMC’s directive to install fire extinguishers in business establishments lacked consultation with the Fire Brigade department. While clarifying that DUCCF was not opposed to the move, he insisted that safety measures must follow due protocol for effectiveness, suitability and maintenance.
On parking tax, DUCCF vice president Wojamo Yanthan criticized the present system where vehicle owners are charged at multiple points even for short durations. He suggested that DMC should manage parking tax directly rather than outsourcing to contractors, which he argued would boost civic revenue for sanitation, road maintenance and staff welfare.
Supporting this, DUCCF finance secretary Akusu Zeliang said direct collection would also ensure transparency and efficiency in use of public funds.
Meanwhile, DUCCF president Zasivikho Zakiesato reiterated the call for DMC to manage parking directly, stressing that parking was a public resource and revenue must be used for development.
On Housing for All scheme, Zakiesato said councillors “have not done even a little bit of justice” as genuine Below Poverty Line families continued to be left out.
On fire safety, he revealed that DUCCF had written to the Inspector General of Fire and Emergency Services on September 23, objecting to DMC’s unilateral move to enforce fire extinguisher installations without prior approval, consultation or technical clearance from the department. He stressed that safety equipment must be installed only after proper assessment, technical expertise and certification.
Warning that the effectiveness and maintenance of the extinguishers were otherwise questionable, DUCCF appealed to Fire and Emergency Services to direct DMC and other agencies to follow proper procedures to safeguard lives and property.