KMC councilors get insight on urban governance

DIMAPUR — In an effort to enhance urban governance, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded project Readiness Financing Facility (PRF), in collaboration with SMEC International Pvt. Ltd., as the project design and management consultant (PDMC), conducted a capacity-building programme for Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) councilors at the KMC building on Wednesday.

A DIPR report stated that the session provided the KMC councilors 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.

Also read: Dimapur, Chümoukedima councillors get urban governance training

It stated that 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. It added that the PDMC team emphasised the importance of learning from those examples while being adaptable to Kohima’s specific needs.

The programme also highlighted the 74th Constitutional Amendment’s provisions, which empower urban local bodies (ULB) with a robust framework for self-governance.

Key areas covered during the programme included solid waste management and sanitation, disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience and policy frameworks for urban services.

Rajib Das, PDMC team leader, and Bimal Jha, institutional expert, were the resource persons of the sessions.

It mentioned that the programme is being held in eight priority towns across the state.