MARGAO: Concerns raised by vendors and customers at the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) retail market prompted SGPDA Chairman Krishna 'Daji' Salkar to conduct an inspection. As a
result, a cleanliness drive was carried out on Friday afternoon.
During the visit, Salkar engaged with the fisherfolk at the market, listening to their grievances and discussing the potential actions SGPDA could take. “After inspecting the area, we identified several blocked drains that were hampering the flow of water. Some of these drains had not been cleaned for a while, but our engineers ensured that all drains around the market were cleaned, allowing proper water flow,” stated Salkar during a media interaction.
Salkar addressed customer complaints about vendors sitting on the floors, urging them to use designated areas to maintain clear passageways.
Regarding speculations of deliberate power cuts at the retail market,
Salkar dismissed such claims, attributing power supply disruptions to weather conditions affecting the entire region, not just the market.
When questioned about the condition of the market, Salkar acknowledged the need for improvements, including the replacement of tube lights and tiles, fixing the gate, and addressing any leaks.
“We have also appealed to the vendors to agree to an increase in their sopo fees. They themselves admitted that the current fees are insufficient. For instance, today we called in ten labourers for the cleaning exercise, and the cost is substantial if we hire them for ten days. We will continue providing this
public service, but we also require revenue to support maintenance work,” explained Salkar.
Emphasizing the importance of sopo fees, Salkar expressed plans for major repairs and renovations once the fees are agreed upon. A meeting has been scheduled for next week with the vendors and relevant MLAs to find a mutually beneficial solution.
Regarding complaints about the retail sale of fish outside the wholesale fish market, Salkar clarified that it falls under the jurisdiction of the Margao Municipality to address. However, he assured that action would be taken if such sales are discovered within the wholesale market.
Salkar recalled that, during the late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar's tenure, fisherfolk from Salcete's coastal belt were permitted to sell fish on the roadside near the market. The issue now arises as migrants have started engaging in fish sales in that area.
When asked about the tender for sopo collection at the wholesale fish market, Salkar stated that the tender had been prepared and sent to the 'NIT’, and that a contractor would be appointed within a month.