Team Herald
MARGAO: The controversy surrounding the sopo fee collection outside South Goa Planning and Development Authority’s (SGPDA) Wholesale Fish Market has prompted the District Collector’s office to issue urgent directives to the authorities concerned.
The Collector office has instructed that the work orders related to the sopo collection be submitted as soon as possible and called upon the SGPDA to provide a detailed plan for the demarcation of the area at the market.
On Thursday, a team led by Additional Collector- I Srinet Kothwale, along with representatives from the SGPDA and the Margao Municipality, conducted an on-site inspection to address the issue.
The controversy arose after the civic body issued a contract to sopo collectors for the market, which led to a jurisdiction dispute. The MMC’s sopo contractor had accused SGPDA staff of collecting fees outside their designated area, specifically in a space created just outside the market compound. However, the SGPDA officials asserted that they were justified in collecting the fees there.
Following the inspection, Kothwale clarified, “I have issued directions to the PDA to present a plan for the demarcation of the area at the market. There is still no clarity regarding the space where fish is sold at retail outside the wholesale fish market complex.”
He also noted that both the MMC and SGPDA have been directed to submit their work orders related to the sopo collection contract, which will clear the confusion.
During the inspection, it became apparent that there was a lack of awareness about the work that had been done to lay pavers and create the retail space outside the market complex, where local fishermen sell fish.
The Additional Collector also expressed concern over the unpleasant smell in the market, which further added to the urgency of resolving the situation.
The matter remains unresolved, with further steps expected to be taken once all relevant information is gathered.