N Jacob Zhimomi, Minister of PHED and Cooperation (Centre) alongwith department officials at the inauguration of the office building of the Superintending Engineer, PHED, Dimapur Circle, on February 28. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 28
According to the Minister of Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED), N Jacob Zhimomi, Nagaland has created the required infrastructure for drinking water across almost the length and breadth of the state covering all villages. He claimed that the only issue is availability of water sources or the lack thereof.
He made the comment at the inauguration of the office building of the Superintending Engineer, PHED, Dimapur Circle, on February 28.
“We are facing a very challenging issue because we have many water stressed districts. Though we have created infrastructure there is a shortage of availability of water (or access to water source),” he said.
While stating that he has taken up the matter with the concerned Ministry at the Centre, he informed that very soon, after the upcoming Assembly Budget session, he will head to Delhi alongwith his Cabinet colleagues. He expressed hope that the Union Ministry would take into account the issues of the state.
He acknowledged the criticism directed at the PHED’s apparent shortcomings, and called for collective effort to make the department more meaningful and productive. He said that the department should be the source of jokes or the “laughing stock of the people.”
He placed emphasis on improved performance for the successful implementation ongoing schemes by the department by “pulling up our socks, tightening one’s belt.”
The office building was built over a period of more than 10 years. PHED Chief Engineer, L Leyang Khiamniungan, informed that the project was sanctioned in 2012-13 under the state government’s “Buildings Programme” at an estimated cost of Rs 2.16 cr. It was completed at a revised cost of Rs 2.64 cr in 2023-24.
