In an effort to enhance urban governance in Kohima, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded Project Readiness Financing (PRF) facility, in collaboration with SMEC International Pty Ltd as the Project Design and Management Consultant (PDMC), conducted a capacity-building program for Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) councillors as part of the Nagaland Urban Infrastructure Development Project. The training was held at the KMC Building, Kohima on 13th November 2024.

The session provided the KMC councillors with an in-depth orientation on key elements of municipal governance, policy frameworks, and the operational structures essential for the city’s continued urban growth. The focus was placed on enhancing project management skills, which are critical for ensuring sustainable urban development.

A significant aspect of the training was about case studies on successful urban management from other regions, designed to inspire local officials to innovate and adapt proven strategies. The PDMC team emphasized the importance of learning from these examples while being adaptable to Kohima’s specific needs.

The program also highlighted the 74th Constitutional Amendment’s provisions, which empower ULBs with a robust framework for self-governance. Key areas covered during the program included Solid Waste Management and Sanitation, Disaster Preparedness and Infrastructure Resilience, and Policy Frameworks for Urban Services.

Rajb Das, the PDMC team leader, and Bimal Jha, an institutional expert, served as resource persons for the sessions. The program is being held in eight priority towns across the state.