Team Herald
MARGAO: In response to the recent cholera outbreak, the government has intensified safety measures at Cutbona jetty. During a joint meeting held on Tuesday, it was decided to scrap six abandoned fishing vessels to mitigate health risks. A comprehensive inspection is scheduled for Wednesday to assess the situation and ensure safety protocols are being followed
Notices have been issued for the removal of the remaining 40 vessels at the jetty. The meeting, chaired by Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira, included officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), Health Department, and other authorities. Additional Collector - I Srinet Kothwale was also present.
The meeting primarily focused on addressing issues that may have contributed to the cholera outbreak, particularly sanitation concerns and the need for facility improvements at Cutbona jetty. Health Department officials reported that cholera cases are under control, with only one patient currently receiving treatment. Safety kits have been provided to labourers at the jetty as a precaution, and regular monitoring is in place.
The issue regarding vehicle use at the jetty was also discussed. It was decided that those involved in auctioning the fish must manually handle the stock rather than using heavy vehicles at the jetty, said Kothwale. The decision to scrap 46 abandoned fishing vessels was made following a recent survey.
The PWD agreed to begin supplying water to the jetty, while GSIDC will initiate projects to straighten the jetty. Toilets have already been installed, and bathing facilities for laborers are in progress.
Minister Sequeira expressed satisfaction with the reduction in cholera cases, noting that only one patient remains hospitalised in South Goa, with six others receiving treatment at GMC. He also mentioned that ownership of six fishing vessels remains unknown, while four have been removed by their owners.
Sebestiao Cardozo, representing the Boat Owners Association, voiced concerns that the new jetty remains non-operational due to inadequate facilities for six-wheeler vehicles. “The new jetty will be of no use if provisions for accommodating six-wheeler vehicles are not made,” he stated. A joint inspection at Cutbona jetty is scheduled for September 18 at 4 pm, with officials from all relevant departments required to attend.
Cutbona sanitation crisis raised in Assembly, but govt failed to act in time: Velim MLA
MARGAO: Velim MLA Cruz Silva criticised the State government and the Fisheries Department for ignoring his repeated warnings about the dire situation at Cutbona jetty prior to the recent cholera and dengue outbreaks. Silva expressed frustration over the lack of action, despite raising these concerns in multiple Legislative Assembly sessions and directly with government departments. He said that during the last Assembly session, he had stressed the importance of ensuring proper sanitation at the jetty, especially with the arrival of a 3,000-strong labour force before the fishing season. However, his warnings were disregarded, leading to the current health crisis.While Silva acknowledged the recent measures being implemented following the outbreak, he said inadequate sanitation facilities, the non-functional new jetty, and the delayed construction of the training wall at the mouth of the River Sal, were not addressed. Silva submitted a memorandum to the government, with the demands of the Velim villagers who are facing the consequences of the outbreak.