MARGAO: Salcete Deputy Collector Ajit Panchwadkar along with the Velim Civic and Consumer Forum and the GoaCAN held a meeting to discuss the problem of sanitation and hygiene at the Cutbona jetty.
The meeting was called after the Velim CCF gave a representation to the deputy collector that the migrant influx which will soon begin to descend on the Cutbona jetty will have a bad effect on the health and hygiene of the area due to lack of toilets. The Collector was informed that there are only 10 toilets at the jetty and sometimes, these toilets will be used by over 5000 labourers.
“Open defecations at the jetty were rampant in the past. The people in the locality have quit agriculture as the fields are full of open defecations,” informed a representative of Velim CCF.
“The present status of these 10 toilets is good but the open defecation waste is going into the water and this has to be given attention,” said Roland Martins of GoaCAN.
“Fisheries dept has sent 50 seat toilet proposal for the jetty but the NOC was denied to the previous site. Now, I have requested the Health and Panchayat of Velim to select a new site, follow up the matter,” informed Panchwadkar.
