The Curchorem fish market which was built during the Portuguese era is crying for urgent repairs as it is in a dilapidated condition and may collapse at any moment, claim fisher folk who conduct their business in this market.
“We made several representations to the Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council (CCMC) and other concerned authorities highlighting our hardships, but everyone turns a deaf ear to our demands,” said Mary Fernandes a fish vendor.
Speaking to Herald the fisher folk said that they had urged the CCMC to repair the fish market shed, but instead of repairing the existing shed the authorities demolished the adjacent shed where dry fish, chicken, beef and other items are kept to sell.
They fear that the situation may worsen during the coming monsoon if the authorities fail to take steps immediately. There are also concerns of health hazards arising from the present condition of the fish market. Dr Pradnya Kakodkar, general physician and cardiologist said, “Accumulation of water at construction sites can help breeding of mosquitoes causing dengue, malaria and filaria. Houseflies over the waste being dumped can cause acute gastroenteritis.”
When contacted CCMC Chairperson Anita Naik said that the project to build the new fish market through GSUDA is ready, but it has been held up due to some land dispute between CCMC and the land owner. “The entire fish market is not in municipal property and therefore we have to sort out the issue with the land owner. The council meeting will be held on Thursday where the issue will be discussed,” Naik said.
“The tender has been issued three times after getting the technical sanction from the PWD as no one was ready due to GSR 2011 (government approved rates). The matter will be placed before the council again as part of the property belongs to a private party,” CCMC Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes said. He added that in case a solution is not forthcoming then a place in the Curchorem CADA complex will be earmarked to construct a new fish market.
Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral told Herald that since all the land does not belong to the municipality the council should study the matter thoroughly. “If they are interested in shifting the fish market then I will arrange a new place in the CADA complex by transferring the Agriculture Department land to the Municipality” Cabral said.
