A newly constructed community wooden bridge over the Chiyong river in Sowa Changle village under Mon district was inaugurated on May 7 by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Longleng W Manpai Phom. The bridge was constructed through the joint initiative of Team Lemsachenlok and the villagers of Sowa Changle.
Congratulating the community on the completion of the bridge construction, the DC stated that it was a significant day for the people of the Phom and Konyak communities. He said in the present age, proper road connectivity is crucial for transportation and emergency purposes. The official appreciated how immediate problems could often be resolved through cooperation between neighbouring villages and towns even from different districts.
Phom expressed gratitude to Dr. Y. Nuklu Phom, the chairman and team leader of Lemsachenlok, and the villagers of Sowa Changle for their collaboration in such community welfare projects.
During the program, short speeches were delivered by Superintendent of Police (SP) Longleng Yanger, and Phom Peoples’ Council (PPC) president YB Angam. They also congratulated Team Lemsachenlok and Sowa Changle villagers.
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The SP urged people not to merely observe and comment on the good work of others but to actively participate as “doers”. He said that despite its seemingly small size, the bridge would serve a significant purpose for the community.
PPC president in his brief address, remarked that while it is easy to criticize any undertaking, accomplishing a task is considerably challenging. He also suggested that the construction of the simple yet valuable bridge should serve as an eye-opener for the concerned authorities. Emphasizing the importance of unity among all the neighbouring villages of the Phom and Konyak communities, the tribal leader stated that unity fosters progress and development.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nuklu Phom commended the villagers of Sowa Changle for their efforts in completing the construction of the community bridge. He pointed out that while the rest of the world is advancing with overpasses and flyovers, many communities in their region still struggle with basic road connectivity. He illustrated this by explaining that during the monsoon season, a journey of just a few kilometres can take anywhere from three to five hours or even an entire day due to the absence of a simple bridge across a 50 to 60-feet stream. This delay not only consumes time and fuel but also severely impacts those in urgent need, especially sick individuals who are often forced to endure long hours of travel, turning what should be a one-hour trip to the hospital into a full day’s journey, he said. He added that the newly contructed bridge will serve to link people, save time, and stand as a witness that different communities are united and cannot be separated.
The program was chaired by S. Manpong, Village Council Chairman (VCC), while Mopa Pastor of SCBC led the invocation prayer, and Phaknyu Angh delivered the welcome address.
