TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Cutbona boat owners on Monday made a forceful plea to Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado to beef up facilities at the Cutbona fishing jetty, including expansion of the existing jetty before the commencement of the new fishing season.
A delegation comprising Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado, Velim MLA Benjamin D’Silva and Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva descended on the Cutbona fishing jetty on Monday noon for an on-the-spot assessment of the requirements of the jetty.
Former President of the Cutbona Boat Owners Union Patrick D’Silva explained to the Fisheries Minister the need to extend the existing fishing jetty, a portion of which has been unutilised for want of a concrete embankment. Patrick said that a concrete embankment would meet the berthing requirements of smaller boats, which have dropped anchor in river Sal for want of any such facility. “We do not want any dispute between owners of big fishing boat and smaller boats on account of the berthing facility at the jetty. The government can take up construction of a concrete jetty as a temporary measure pending execution of the central government scheme at the Cutbona fishing jetty”, Patrick said.
The Velim MLA said that repair and strengthening of a small portion of the existing jetty with a concrete embankment will certainly help create additional facility for the boat owners.
After giving a patient hearing, the Fisheries Minister said that the demand voiced by the boat owners is genuine in nature, adding that the department will take stock of the situation and work out a solution. “My department will extend all possible facilities at the Cutbona fishing jetty for the benefit of the boat owners. I will discuss the demands put forth by the boat owners with my Director and find a solution”, he added.
