Frequent vehicle breakdowns and ageing machinery have emerged as a major concern for Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), affecting waste management services across the city.
DMC councillors highlighted the deteriorating condition of the council’s operational fleet, raising concerns over efficiency in sanitation work.
DMC councilor, in-charge of sanitation, I. Sentinuklu Jamir said DMC currently operates around 30 vehicles, including four excavators (JCB) machines, of which 28 have been in service for over a decade, with some nearly 20 years old.
He said the ageing fleet had become a serious operational hurdle, with frequent mechanical failures disrupting daily work. “Vehicles break down almost every other day, creating difficulties for drivers and affecting timely waste collection,” he said.
The conditions of excavators have further compounded the problem. Out of four, only three are functional, and even these are not in optimal condition due to damaged blades.
Despite the challenges, sanitation workers have continued operations, though delays have triggered public complaints. Sentinuklu stressed the need for urgent upgrading of the fleet to meet growing urban sanitation demands.
Meanwhile, in a parallel effort to improve civic conditions, DMC carried out a cleanliness drive and inspection at the Millennium Building in Marwaripatti, led by chairman Hukheto Yepthomi. Large quantities of garbage were cleared from the premises, exposing prolonged neglect.
Officials also detected multiple illegal constructions inside the complex and directed those responsible to dismantle them. DMC further flagged improper constructions outside the building, where market sheds had been erected over drainage systems, posing risks of blockage and sanitation issues.
The chairman said the drive was part of efforts to enforce regulations and ensure responsible use of public infrastructure, warning of stricter action against defaulters. He added that plans were underway to revive the building, including removal of encroachments and restoration of proper infrastructure.
In addition, DMC councillor Kili N. Sumi expressed concern over poor response to rent payments for the Old DMC Building and Millennium Building. She said only about five per cent of dues had been cleared despite notices issued on March 13, and defaulters had been given a final 15-day deadline, failing which allotments could be cancelled and penalties imposed.