Imkong L. Imchen, MLA and Advisor, with officials of the Mangmetong Women Union Mokokchung and others during the inauguration of the Union’s Golden Jubilee Souvenir Building at Sangtemla Ward, Mokokchung on June 16.
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Morung Express News
Mokokchung | June 17
The Mangmetong Women Union Mokokchung’s Golden Jubilee Souvenir Building was formally inaugurated on June 16 at Sangtemla Ward, Mokokchung, by Imkong L Imchen, Advisor for Information & Public Relations and Soil & Water Conservation, Government of Nagaland.
Addressing the gathering, Imchen lauded the Union for its commitment and determination in completing the building, which he said would serve the welfare of the community. He expressed hope that the structure would be put to productive use and benefit society at large.
While commending the scale and simplicity of the project, Imchen noted that the building was completed with a modest budget of approximately Rs 2 crore. He subtly contrasted this with other infrastructure projects, citing examples such as Rs 19 crore spent on renovation works and Rs 161 crore for 16 kilometers of road upgradation. “Though this may seem like a small project, it was completed with care and purpose, especially when compared to some projects with significantly higher costs,” he remarked.
Stressing the need for equitable development, Imchen stated, “To be the capital city of a state naturally comes with certain advantages.” He pointed out that Kohima receives Rs 200 to Rs 300 crore annually as essential expenditures for maintenance and development. Drawing a comparison among Nagaland’s urban centers, he observed, “Kohima is developed by the government, Dimapur by individuals, and Mokokchung by the community.”
Highlighting the community-driven spirit of the Ao people, Imchen said, “Our Ao community is a self-help community. It is our civic sense and dedication that has brought us this far.” Reflecting on his political journey, he added, “I am a simple person, but it is through God’s mighty work and the unity of the Mangmetong citizens that I have been elected again and again. It is beyond words how blessed this village is.”
He praised the unity and vision of the Mangmetong women and encouraged them to continue their efforts.
Rongsenlemla, Convenor of the Construction cum Fundraising Committee, shared the journey behind the project. She informed that a total of Rs 1, 52, 57,000 was spent on the building, which was conceptualized as a commemorative project for the Union’s Golden Jubilee celebrated in 2019. Although the initial plan was to fundraise for five years before construction, the committee decided to begin earlier, starting the project in May 2022 and completing it in time for the inauguration.
She expressed gratitude to all contributors, revealing that Rs 70 lakh has already been cleared, with Rs 82.57 lakh remaining as outstanding dues. She also acknowledged the contractor for delivering quality work.
Appreciating the efforts of the Women Union members, Rongsenlemla said the funds were raised and managed with unity and compassion. She also thanked the citizens of Mangmetong for their overwhelming financial and moral support in bringing the project to completion.
The building includes an office for the Mangmetonglar on the top floor, a conference hall available for hire at Rs 2,000 per day, and four family apartments with parking facilities. The dedicatory prayer was led by Rev R. Teka, Kapayong.
