First ever pipe water reaches Saranamai village
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, July 16 2019: The villagers of Saranamai under Paomata sub-division Senapati district enjoyed first ever pipe water today thanks to a pilot water supply project.

The villagers had never experienced pipe water.

Thanksgiving celebration of the successful project at Saranamai village was inaugurated by Losii Dikho, Minister, PHED, Printing & Stationery, Govt of Manipur as the chief guest, A Kapani, Chairman, ADC, Senapati as the guest of honour and S Alexander Maikho, ADC member as the functional president respectively.

Akha Dani, former president of Poumai Naga Union recalled that engineers and various others had opined that buying mineral/package drinking water from Imphal would be more convenient and easier than bringing water through pipe and projects in the village.

First ever pipe water reaches Saranamai village

He lauded all concerned for their efforts in giving life to the project.

Alexander Maikho, ADC member said that the project would ease the suffering of the villagers, especially women folks who would wake up as early as 2 or 3 am and go in search of water at traditional ponds.

The women often travel a kilometre or two to get water for household use, Alexander said.

"It is a day for the villagers to thank God," Alexander said recalling the various hardship the village had faced due to lack of pipe water.

While giving thanks to the Almighty for the successful project, A Kapani, Chairman, ADC, Senapati sought the cooperation of all in order to let political leaders achieve their service for the welfare of the people.

Speaking as the chief guest, Minister Losii Dikho lauded the villagers for taking the initiative to start the project by themselves.

What struck him was the spirit of the villagers to contribute themselves when people of the State at different places only demand, call bandh or strike if the Govt does not help them.

He said that it will be good for all people of the State to learn from Saranamai villagers.

The village suffers the most in all of Mao Constituency owing to its location in the high altitude with no water source, he said.

The minister lauded the villagers for the contribution they have made towards development in all areas.

He also sought the attention of the villagers to protect and preserve forest and environment.

The minister advised the villagers to plant more trees to preserve ponds and springs.

It is said that each household in the village had contributed Rs 1,000 for the project.

Assisted by the PHED Minister and local ADC member, Alexander Maikho, the project was given life, said villagers.

The Minister together with Chairman, ADC, Senapati also inaugurated a basketball court, barrack type quarters, retaining wall and suspension bridge apart from the programme.

Thaikho Peter, Executive Member, ADC, Senapati and other ADC members - B Hrai, Rangpung John, R Ashihrii and K Thotrei, Dr V Alexander Pao, former MLA, Lenthang, MCS, SDO, Paomata, host of civil organizations like the Poumai Naga Union, Mao Council and other well wishers attended the programme.