MARGAO: Chairman of the South Goa Planning and Development
Authority (SGPDA) Krishna Daji Salkar stated that the first phase of the new wholesale fish market at Fatorda will be operational by December this year.
Salkar stated that the structural works of the new wholesale market’s first phase is nearly complete and that roofing work will now begin, following which electrical wiring and related works will be completed in six months’ time. Post December, the area where the wholesale fish market is presently operating from, will be taken up for development, in the second phase.
Salkar added that the matter of the sopo contractor for the wholesale market has been taken to its logical end as the tender will be floated online next month.
He lamented that the file for this tender had not been moved by anyone prior to him taking over as the Chairman.
Regarding the retail fish market, Salkar said work on cleaning the gutters will begin soon. “We have fixed another meeting with the retail vendors to break the impasse over the sopo fees,” he told O Heraldo.
He said the retail vendors are refusing to pay more than Rs 10, even though the SGPDA had explained to them that all repair and renovation work can be carried out once they agree to pay a higher sopo fee. “Retail vendors conducting business on the floor of the market need to stop doing so,” he asserted.
Finally, Salkar hit back at allegations about the area outside the market being in filthy condition and stressed that SGPDA staff clean the market regularly. “When fish trucks arrive, there is some water spilled from them, that too only in isolated areas and it dries up quickly. The areas and walkways frequented by the public walks are kept clean,” he claimed.
Responding to queries, Salkar said any decision about vendors operating on the roadside outside the market should be taken by the Margao Municipal Council, as it is outside their jurisdiction.
