No offices for ULBs; Zhaleo Rio assures to provide all facilities

KOHIMA — The Nagaland government will seek a one-time grant from the Government of India to establish offices for the urban local bodies (ULBs) to address the current lack of physical offices and provide adequate facilities for town and municipal councils to operate effectively.

Zhaleo Rio, Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, told Eastern Mirror on Thursday that the state government will approach the Centre for the grant to fulfil all necessary requirements, and are preparing accordingly.

He said this when asked about the lack of office spaces for town and municipal councils across the state.

Regarding the operation of the ULBs, he said that some are currently operating on temporary arrangements. The department is working with deputy commissioners to identify suitable buildings, including available government facilities that can be temporarily used as offices for the councils, he added.

He went on to inform that the district administrations have been directed to explore the option of renting private properties in the absence of suitable accommodations to allow the councils to commence operations.

Regarding the proposal for a separate directorate for civic bodies, he reiterated that they are seeking a one-time grant from the Centre for this purpose as well, while adding that the state government is exploring all possible avenues to meet the requirements of the councils.

Zhaleo also confirmed that Kohima and Dimapur, two of the state’s three municipal councils, lack permanent offices. However, he informed that interim arrangements have been made.

Meanwhile, Neikhozo Suokhrie, chairperson of the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), told this newspaper that councillors were yet to be provided with a physical office and were still not fully informed about their roles and responsibilities.

He expressed hope that they will receive information about the status of their duties and obligations after an orientation programme scheduled for next week.