Team Herald
MARGAO: Between the vagrants who live and loiter in the area and the stench from the unsanitary food kiosks opposite the Kadamba bus stand at Margao, the residents of Madel are at their wit’s end in dealing with these ‘nuisance elements’ on a daily basis.
The litter and food waste generated by the food kiosks also pose a major health hazard for patients in the hospital nearby. Speaking to Herald, Savio Dias, a local resident, said that the stench in Madel is unbearable as many vendors are seen making a mess of the area.
“The owners of the food kiosks can be seen dumping their waste into the nearby gutters, resulting in the stench. With no illumination, many are littering in front of the hospital, besides beggars are taking shelter under the trees here at nighttime, adding to the mess,” he claimed.
He further alleged that tobacco items are being sold in the small kiosks during the late-night hours. “The whole area has been overrun by these sanitation and safety issues, and we request the authorities to take serious note of the situation and initiate some measures,” said Dias.
In a letter addressed to the concerned authorities, Dr Rebello, who runs the hospital opposite the bus stand, said that she has brought this issue to the notice of the authorities and the Margao Municipal Council many times. “This has increased ever since the food kiosk on the main road opposite KTC bus stand and hospital has been set up. The two wheelers’ parking area is in a real bad state,” she stated in the complaint.
She added that after eating and drinking at the eatery, customers even relieve themselves in front of the hospital and also in front of the residences of other locals.
It has been observed that used plastic cups and plates are strewn all around in front of the hospital and houses. Dr Rebello has also requested that this place be illuminated, as several brawls and drunken fights between gangs of men have been witnessed in the area late at night.
