Two weeks ago, Herald highlighted the dilapidated condition of Khariwado Jetty and the plight of the fishermen. After the report, the State administration held talks with the MPT, which began the repairs recently. The work, which came as a great relief to the fishing community, is expected to be completed within a week.
After an inspection of the ongoing work at the Khariwado Jetty, Almeida stated that the repairs were pending due to a communication gap. He added, “The work has begun and it will be completed before the month ends so that fishermen operating from this jetty can start their operation from August 1.”
Commenting on the government’s plans for Khariwado fishermen, he said, “Proposals were made, but none could be implemented. The fishermen kept waiting for a solution. Now, as promised by the BJP government, we laid down new plans after deliberations. We have decided that the existing Vasco bay will be divided into two parts. One part will be given to MPT and the other will be used for development of various facilities, including a new jetty for the Vasco fishing community. Work on the new plans will be seen within six months.”
Meanwhile, the Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association appreciated the media’s efforts in highlighting their plight and also thanked the government, MPT, Carlos Almeida and Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado for promptly repairing the dilapidated jetty.
“We were not sure whether our demand for the repairs would be taken up so promptly, but the action of Almeida and Furtado needs to be appreciated. Besides taking steps for a temporary solution by carrying out annual repairs at the jetty, we hope that a permanent solution to our crises is found and the dream of the new jetty becomes reality,” said GFBOA President Simon Pereira.
