PANJIM: Ports Minister Michael Lobo has said that he would seek an appointment with Union Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to get alternative cargo for the Goa Barge Owners Association (GBOA). 

Lobo also assured the GBOA to try and seek Central government assistance for repairs of barges through Central Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) schemes, while also assuring to speak with Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on waiver of barge taxes. 

“There is transportation of goods and containers by trucks from highways and because of highway works, they get delayed, cause congestion and also huge pollution as queues as long as three kms (of trucks) are seen waiting on the highway sometimes. We can try to get the same containers from Karnataka, Maharashtra and other coastal States by barges. We can talk to the Centre and try and open this business channel of coastal shipping of getting cargo from other States via barges,” he said. 

He said barges getting cargo from other States would be economical, cheap and goods will reach Goa faster and without pollution. “Whatever needs to be done will be taken up by talking to the union shipping minister and chief minister for transportation of inter-state cargo by barges,” said Lobo. 

The minister said he would seek an appointment with Union Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and discuss the possibility of Central government assistance for funds for repair of barges. 

“Barge owners are under distress and seeking assistance, which the Goa government cannot give. But we will impress upon the union shipping minster and under some Central IWAI schemes try to seek assistance for repair of barges when the season is starting,” he said. 

Lobo said the barge owners are going through tremendous losses. They can’t even repair barges as they have no money and have sought a waiver of barge taxes which is pending since 2012. While some have paid, around 90 per cent of the amount is pending. 

“I have told the Captain of Ports to move the file. I will discuss with chief minister and impress upon him to help Goans in the barge business, the way truck owners road taxes were waived,” Lobo added.