The Ward-19 App (W19), an initiative of Medoviu Martin Suohu, Ward-19 Councillor, Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), was officially launched at Central Plaza, Multi-Level Car Parking, Kohima, Nagaland, on October 15.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, NCS acknowledged the hard work, energy, and humility demonstrated by the Ward-19 Councillor and appreciated his commitment to serving the community.
Highlighting the growing role of technology in governance, the DC observed that digital transformation is changing how people communicate, access information, and receive public services.
Buchem said the Ward-19 App is expected to provide a platform for strengthening communication between residents and ward functionaries, facilitating the reporting of local issues, and improving access to relevant information. The initiative he said seeks to bridge the gap between the public and local administration through the use of technology.
However, the Buchem emphasised that the true success of the application would depend not merely on its launch but on how effectively it serves the people and addresses their everyday concerns.
The DC also highlighted the need for collective efforts to strengthen solid waste management and keep the city clean.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) in improving waste management and stated that new rules based on the principle of environmental compensation for polluters are expected to come into force shortly.
Buchem urged every ward, including Ward-19, to develop its own solid waste management plan suited to local needs, stressing that cooperation between the KMC, ward authorities, and citizens is essential.
He emphasised that cleanliness begins at home, urging households to segregate wet and dry waste, avoid littering, and dispose of waste responsibly. He also cautioned against dumping garbage in drains and open spaces.
Stressing that municipal authorities and sanitation workers cannot maintain cleanliness alone, he called for a change in public attitudes and greater personal accountability.
He urged citizens to recognise that everyone who generates waste has a responsibility to ensure its proper management, adding that collective civic responsibility is essential to building a cleaner and healthier Kohima.
Buchem also stated that the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) has issued an order to address the issue of dogs roaming freely. Under the order, the KMC authorities, along with the police, will catch roaming dogs and keep them in a shelter at the owners’ expense.
Emphasising responsible pet ownership, he urged dog owners to keep their pets on a leash in public places and carry poop bags to collect and properly dispose of their pets’ waste.
The DC encouraged Ward-19 to lead by example in cleanliness, responsible waste management, and community participation, expressing hope that the initiative would contribute to the continued development of the ward and make Kohima proud.
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Medoviu Martin Suohu, Councillor of Ward 19 announced the launch of a dedicated mobile application aimed at improving communication with residents, strengthening sanitation management and promoting local businesses. Developed with voluntary support from app developers from the ward, the app is free to download and has been launched without a dedicated budget or government funding.
Speaking at the launch, Suohu explained that the initiative was conceived to overcome the limitations of the existing WhatsApp group, which has around 3,500 members. With a maximum group capacity of 1,024 members, reaching everyone through a single group has become difficult. Suohu said the new application aims to provide a common digital platform for residents to access important information and updates.
Suohu appealed to youth organisations from the ward’s five colonies to take the initiative in helping residents, particularly senior citizens, learn how to use the app. He emphasised that young people should guide elderly residents who may find it difficult to navigate the digital platform, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the initiative.
Highlighting sanitation as a key priority under the KMC, Suohu stressed that one of the proposed features of the app is to inform residents about the scheduled arrival of sanitation vehicles in their respective colonies for collecting wet and dry waste. The initiative also aims to explore the use of GPS technology to improve coordination and make sanitation services more convenient for residents.
He said the objective is to implement these features to help residents manage waste disposal more efficiently and encourage responsible sanitation practices.
The app will also include a dedicated section for local entrepreneurs and businesses operating in Ward 19.
Suohu encouraged entrepreneurs to upload their business details to the platform so that residents can easily discover local products and services. The proposed business section aims to connect sellers with potential buyers, promote local enterprises and encourage people to support businesses within their own communities.
The initiative is expected to create opportunities for local entrepreneurs to expand their reach while enabling residents to access information about businesses in their neighbourhood.
Suohu also spoke about plans to integrate information on government welfare schemes into the application.
With many government schemes requiring online applications, the councillor said discussions with relevant government departments were being pursued to explore possible integration. Through the app, residents may eventually be redirected to official government websites to access scheme-related information and seek assistance.
He expressed hope that cooperation with government departments would help expand the app’s usefulness in the future.
Although the application has been launched without a dedicated budget or government funding, Suohu said the initial focus would be on making it effective and useful for Ward 19 residents.
The app has been developed with voluntary contributions and support from people willing to share information. The team hopes to upgrade its features in the future and explore government support and relevant schemes to facilitate further development.
Suohu said if the initiative proves successful, the councillor expressed the hope of replicating the model across all 19 wards. The broader vision is to develop a common digital platform that can help residents access information and civic updates more conveniently.
In another announcement, Suohu said Ward 19 hopes to establish its own cemetery in December, subject to obtaining the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) and other required clearances.
The project is among the ward’s proposed initiatives, with its progress dependent on the necessary approvals.
The councillor also highlighted a scholarship initiative being undertaken by youth groups from the ward’s five colonies.
The initiative aims to sponsor scholarships for students and provide assistance with educational expenses, particularly admission-related costs. The programme reflects an effort by local youth to support students and help them pursue their education.
Er . Benny Suohu in her introduction to the app highlighted that the application is designed to bring important ward-related information, local updates, grievance submission facilities and public services closer to residents through their mobile phones.
Er Benny Suohu explained the app includes several features, such as Know Your Council, Grievance Portal, Developmental Gallery and Emergency Contacts, allowing residents to learn about their ward representatives, submit grievances, view development-related information and access important contact details.
Another key feature is the Notification Zone, which will provide updates on garbage collection schedules. This is expected to help residents stay informed about sanitation services and manage their waste disposal more efficiently.
The application is also planned for further development through additional versions. Version 2.0 will introduce a local business and entrepreneur directory to promote neighbourhood businesses and connect buyers with local sellers. Version 3.0 is expected to incorporate live GPS tracking of garbage collection vehicles, helping residents monitor collection services. Version 4.0 will focus on enabling online collection of sanitation fees.
Emphasising the importance of public participation, Suohu encouraged every resident of Ward 19 to explore the application, make use of its features and provide feedback to help improve the platform.
She highlighted that Ward Connect is more than just a mobile application; it is a community-driven initiative whose success depends on how actively residents use it and contribute to its development.
In addition to the launch of the Ward Connect app, the Councillor also donated a laptop, a printer and 10 walkie-talkie units to Kekhruhol Mekro, Chairman of Ward 19, for the Ward Council’s use.
The programme was chaired by Rosemary, President of the Lower PR Hill Women Union, and began with an invocation by Alemla Jamir, Associate Pastor of NCRC Ao. The welcome address was delivered by Oto Angami, General Secretary of the Ward 19 Council, followed by a special number presented by Avibou Belho.
Alemyapang Longchar, CEO of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), and Kekhruhol Mekro, Chairman of Ward 19, delivered short speeches during the programme. The vote of thanks was proposed by Neingusanuo Zhiephru, President of the Supply Colony Women Union.
