DIMAPUR: Advisor, SCERT & Food Processing, and chairman SDPDB Bhandari, Achumbemo Kikon inaugurated the newly constructed Sub Divisional Planning and Development Board (SDPDB) Conference Hall cum Chairman’s Office, under State Plan, at the office premises of the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bhandari, on October 9.
Unveiling the inaugural plaque, Kikon expressed gratitude to chief minister Neiphiu Rio and deputy chief minister T.R. Zeliang for their support in constructing the three storied building. He noted that while the original Detailed Project Report (DPR) did not include strong rooms, additional arrangements were made to facilitate secure strong rooms as part of the landmark building.
Highlighting the constituency’s significance, Kikon said 40 A/C Bhandari, with around 27,000 voters, more than 84 polling stations across far flung areas and nine Town Council wards, has strong grounds to demand a district election office. He expressed optimism that people’s aspirations would soon become reality.
Speakers at the programme lauded Kikon’s people centred leadership, stating that Bhandari was witnessing significant developmental change under his tenure. Rev. Longshi Lotha, pastor of Baptist Church Bhandari, dedicated the new building with prayer.
In the SDPDB meeting that followed, Kikon welcomed new members and reviewed agendas. Expressing concern over the prolonged absence of a Senior Medical Officer (SMO) and shortage of doctors and nurses at CHC Bhandari, he urged public leaders to pursue the matter with the Chief Medical Officer, Wokha, while assuring to take it up with the concerned department.
Deliberations also included construction of a proposed temporary jeepable road from Merapani village to Mekirang village along the Foothill Road alignment. The district administration informed that an estimate committee had been formed to visit the stretch and prepare cost estimates.
LLRPO president, Dr. Alex Kithan, acknowledged Kikon’s donation of Rs.1 lakh towards crowd funding and requested support for JCBs and dumper trucks. The house also appreciated the Merapani Village Council chairman for committing to donate four large Hume pipes for the project.
Kikon further urged concerned agencies to improve road conditions along the Foothill Road as part of maintenance. Yanmhon Area Public Organization (YAPO) president, N. Thungdemo Tungoe, apprised the house that during the upgradation of power supply from 11KV to 33KV for 20 villages in Yanmhon area, a unified resolution had been adopted to cooperate with the department for unhindered execution.
Dr. Kithan also highlighted that while Bhandari sub division has 12 high schools, it does not have a single college, and suggested that the matter be taken up to establish one for the benefit of the younger generation.
Lead Bank Manager of Wokha, Chophathung Yanthan, presented an overview of current operations, deposits and advances across local banking institutions.
