Drainage, sanitation top priorities for new Dimapur Municipal Council

Hukheto Yepthomi, Imlinaro Stephanie Ezung elected as chairperson, deputy chairperson respectively

DIMAPUR — After a two-decade hiatus, Dimapur has elected its new Municipal Council, with Hukheto Yepthomi and Imlinaro Stephanie Ezung, both members of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), as chairperson and deputy chairperson, respectively.

The election of the key posts took place on Friday following an oath-taking ceremony at the deputy commissioner’s conference hall in Dimapur. Both candidates secured their positions with a 17-vote majority.

Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, who administered the ‘Oath of Affirmation’ to the 23 councillors, termed the day as ‘historic’, noting that election to the ULBs was held after a gap of 20 years, and for the first time, with 33% reservation for women.

He urged the councillors to sincerely work towards the development of Dimapur.

Interacting with journalists after the programme, the new chairperson identified sanitation and drainage as priority areas.

Yepthomi acknowledged that addressing the municipality's challenges is not a ‘one-day job’ but would require sustained efforts. The issues would be approached in phases as it is impossible to address everything at once, he said, adding that the council would try its best and also seek government support.

Stressing the importance of collaboration, he said that all the elected councillors should come together to discuss issues. He underscored that the council's efforts would not be limited to wards represented by NDPP candidates and that everyone will work collaboratively to make Dimapur a better place.

Noting that the ban on single-use plastics has been unsuccessful so far, he said the DMC would discuss the matter to ensure that all future policies are effective.

Deputy Chairperson Ezung also highlighted the importance of collaborative decision-making, saying that all councillors would convene to determine the best path forward for Dimapur. With the ULB election being held after a 20-year gap, there is a lot of work to be done, she said.

Further, she noted that two female deputy chairpersons have been elected in Niuland and Wokha, which shows that people are giving women the opportunity to participate in policymaking.