Team Herald
CUNCOLIM: Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira assured that the government is prioritising efforts to restore normalcy at the Cutbona jetty. “We have instructed all officers to identify loopholes and resolve the minor issues at the jetty on a priority basis,” he stated. He also announced that the government will begin supplying drinking water to boat owners through a proper tap system, replacing the use of tankers.
Sequeira, accompanied by senior officials including the Additional Collectors, Deputy Collector, Mamlatdar, and representatives from the Fisheries and Public Works Departments (PWD), conducted a follow-up inspection at the Cutbona jetty on Wednesday, following directives from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
Sequeira told reporters that out of the 46 scrapped fishing boats anchored at the new fishing jetty, 21 have been removed. He added that if the remaining 20 scrapped boats are not removed soon, the government will take immediate action to lift and clear them from the site.
Addressing concerns about misinformation, Sequeira remarked, “Some individuals are misleading locals without understanding the facts and figures.” He urged all stakeholders to work alongside the government to improve conditions at the jetty.
Reflecting on the progress made since the Chief Minister’s visit, Sequeira expressed both satisfaction and frustration. “In just a week, we’ve made significant strides in cleaning up the mess at the jetty with the support of local boat owners’ federations and associations,” he said, adding that it was unfortunate that a cholera outbreak had to occur before these actions were taken.
On a separate matter, Minister Sequeira addressed allegations circulating on social media regarding his involvement in the Bhutani project at Sancoale during his previous tenure in 2008. Sequeira firmly denied any such involvement, stating, “I have not issued any NOC to the Bhutani project.” He challenged those making the accusations to provide proof of his involvement and dismissed the claims