Team Herald
MARGAO: In response to the dengue outbreak at the Cutbona Jetty, a review meeting was held on Wednesday at the South Goa District Collectorate to finalise both short-term and long-term measures aimed at addressing the crisis and preventing future outbreaks. One key decision was to conduct a joint inspection of the jetty, tentatively scheduled for Monday, and to consider amending State laws to ensure the welfare of the labour force at jetties, who currently do not fall under existing labour regulations.
The meeting, convened by Salcete Deputy Collector Ganesh Barve at the request of GOACAN coordinator Roland Martins, brought together government officials and elected representatives, including Velim MLA Cruz Silva, Velim Sarpanch Veena Cardozo, Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz, Salcete Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Santosh Dessai, Balli Primary Health Centre (PHC) Health Officer Dr Benedita Dias, and representatives from the Fisheries Department, Labour Department, and other agencies.
During the meeting, the Velim and Cavelossim Sarpanchas shared feedback from recent inspections at the Cutbona and Mobor jetties. Dr Dias outlined the health department’s efforts at Cutbona, including testing and awareness activities, and noted that many labourers have been suffering from diarrhoea, with treatment being provided accordingly. Several cases of cholera are also suspected. It was also mentioned that a crew member from Cutbona, originally from Odisha, who was suspected of dying from dengue, had diarrhoea and a high fever but succumbed before he could be tested.
The Fisheries Department faced strong criticism for its failure to maintain hygiene and cleanliness at the jetty and for not addressing infrastructure issues, despite these concerns being raised in the Assembly by MLA Silva. Silva pointed out several problems, including inadequate toilet facilities at the jetty, forcing migrant workers to relieve themselves in open areas. He suggested that boat owner societies pay a lump sum in advance to cover the cost of using the existing toilet facilities.
Silva also questioned the purpose of the new jetty, which cannot be fully utilised due to inadequate facilities, with the jetty now being used as a dumping ground for old nets and broken boats. The Fisheries Department was further criticised by Cavelossim Sarpanch Dixon Vaz, who called for detailed data on the number of labourers employed at the jetty, their origins, and where they stay, suggesting that boat owners should face action if they do not provide this information.
The Labour Department suggested that physical health check-ups be conducted for labourers upon their arrival in Goa. DySP Dessai emphasised the importance of isolating suspected dengue patients immediately.
Roland Martins called on the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to inspect kitchens on boats and food stalls near the jetty, and he supported the Velim Sarpanch’s suggestion to map the Cutbona Jetty area to identify high-risk zones and clarify jurisdictional responsibilities.
It was agreed that the Velim and Cavelossim Sarpanchas would raise these issues at their next fortnightly meetings and write to relevant authorities, including the Deputy Collector, Fisheries Department, Health Department, and FDA, to ensure the implementation of the suggested measures. The Deputy Collector was also urged to hold another review meeting at the end of the month to assess the progress made.
The Fisheries Department’s Colva office was asked to request additional staff, and the Balli PHC was asked to seek more support to tackle the outbreak. Silva also raised concerns about discrepancies between the official number of dengue cases and the actual number of cases, particularly those admitted to private hospitals. “As per rumours, there are more than 50 cases,” said Silva.