South Goa District Collector Egna Cleetus, IAS, on Friday reviewed the situation at the Cutbona fishing jetty after a cholera case was detected among the labour population. She confirmed that nearly 2,275 individuals have already been screened under an intensive health surveillance drive.
Cleetus highlighted poor hygiene and open defecation in and around the jetty as serious risks for the spread of waterborne diseases. “Instructions have been given to the Health and Fisheries departments to conduct extensive awareness drives among the labour population,” she said.
Labourers arriving with fishing boats are being screened with the assistance of the Primary Health Centre. “Infrastructure for health checks has already been put in place. Since the labourers are a floating population, we are taking every possible measure to ensure their safety and prevent any outbreak,” Cleetus explained.
While no blame has been fixed on individuals, strict directions have been issued to security personnel at the jetty to guide labourers and prevent open defecation. Authorities are also considering improved sanitation, distribution of clean drinking water, and intensified monitoring during the peak fishing season.
Local health officials reassured that the situation remains under control, with continuous surveillance and preventive steps in place. Residents and fishing stakeholders have been urged to follow hygiene advisories and report symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or dehydration to health workers stationed at the jetty.
The Collector assured that the administration will keep a close watch and adapt preventive measures as required to safeguard both the local population and the migrant workforce dependent on the fishing industry.