Around 300 fishmongers at the Panjim fish market continue to suffer on account of the lack of basic facilities such as tap connection and tables to clean and cut fish.
However, to add to their cup of woes, a newly constructed toilet is awaiting inauguration, which has forced the fish vendors, especially women, to visit the nearby CCP market complex.
Ratika Lotlekar, who has been selling fish at the market for 23 years, said, “Business is good, but it could still be better. Many of my customers are no longer coming due to lack of cleanliness in the market. The situation is better in the new market. The water, I would eventually flow out—unlike in the old market, where everything would remain dirty. It was a rough place then, now it’s better, but much more needs to be done.”
She said, “It was important that all the old fishmongers be given the tables as promised to them. The municipality had assured us that the tables would be provided soon. Another major demand was the installation of a tap. The tap is needed to clean the fish. At present, we fetch water from a well located inside the market and are paying around Rs 20 per bucket.”
She said, “I had to go to the main market to use the toilet, which was a bit of an inconvenience. Other than that, I have no complaints—and none of the others did either. We have to adapt to the conditions because, at the end of the day, it is about filling one’s belly.”
Speaking to O Heraldo, Market Committee chairperson Bento Lorena said “I am aware of the problems and I assure that the tap will be installed soon. With regards to the toilet, a new facility has been constructed near the market and it is now up to the Commissioner to decide when to inaugurate it. As for the tables, they will be provided very soon to the listed fishmongers.”