VASCO: Director of Fisheries Dr Shamila Monteiro requested the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) to start repair and maintenance work of the Khariwado fishing jetty for the benefit of Vasco’s fishing community.
In a letter issued by the Fisheries Department recently, Monteiro pointed out that the steel plates at the jetty were corroded and had jagged edges, which were a threat to the workers there. She also informed that the railing was broken at many places and that the jetty had to be repaired urgently as the fishing ban would end soon.
Herald had recently highlighted the dilapidated condition of the Khariwado jetty and the severe problems it caused to Vasco’s fishing community.
“We recently received a copy of the letter from the Fisheries Department. The letter was marked to the MPT, with a copy to be sent to us. We are happy that the Fisheries Department has shown concern towards us and has asked the MPT to start the repairs,” said Simon Pereira, General Secretary of Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association (GFBOA).
Pereira added that he had already sent a reply to the Directorate of Fisheries with a request to pressurize the MPT to start the work soon, only because there were a few days left for the ban period, after which it would be difficult to complete the work as the jetty would be used by the fishing community.
Meanwhile, GFBOA members selected their committee for 2015-16. Those who were known as crusaders and strong voices of the fishing community are part of the new team. GFBOA Special Advisor Rony D’Souza said, “As we have taken over the reins, we will ensure that our battle for a new fishing jetty gets momentum again.”
