Team Herald
MARGAO: Taking the cholera outbreak seriously, the government has warned fishing vessel owners at the Cutbona that the entire jetty could be shut down if sanitation and vessel management do not improve.
During a meeting held in Margao on Saturday, discussions focused on measures to manage and mitigate the cholera outbreak. As part of the government's broader efforts, there was deliberation on ensuring proper hygiene and sanitary practices at key locations, including the Cutbona jetty. These measures aim to address the outbreak by improving sanitation and preventing further spread of the disease.
On the same day, a team from the Captain of Ports conducted an inspection at the Cutbona jetty to assess the condition of the vessels anchored there. Additionally, the enforcement agency filed cases against several general store owners operating at the jetty for issues related to their weighing machines.
On Saturday, Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira held a meeting with the Cutbona boat and trawler owners’ federation to deliberate on the public health crisis and ensuring improved sanitation and compliance at the jetty.
A day prior, Minister for Fisheries Nilkant Halarnkar, during a joint meeting in Margao, decided to conduct a survey at the Cutbona fishing jetty. The survey aims to demarcate the land acquired by the Fisheries Department before making a decision regarding the demolition of structures along the jetty road.
Halarnkar also placed blame on the stakeholders for the sanitation problems at the jetty. He criticised them for contributing to the threat of a cholera epidemic.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Sequeira emphasised that the government is taking the issue very seriously and will not hesitate to seal the jetty if vessel owners fail to comply with the required conditions.
"The government has the power to seal the jetty, as we don't want such a disease to spread," Sequeira stated.
He added that an agency will be providing 30-40 toilets at the jetty, with work expected to begin on Monday or Tuesday, along with other necessary hygiene facilities. The agency, in collaboration with the boat-trawler owners’ federation, will ensure cleanliness at the jetty and around the newly installed toilets.
"The fees for the concerned agency will be covered by the federation, and the rate will be determined by them," said the Minister.