Team Herald
MARGAO: Mounds of fish waste, overflowing drains and foul odour both welcomes and pushes away vendors and buyers to the retail fish market even as the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) resumes its efforts to hike the sopo fees with allegations of neglect continuing to pour.
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Vendors and visitors alike have expressed frustration over the worsening conditions that are disrupting market operations and discouraging customers from visiting.
Fish vendors have raised serious concerns regarding the market’s condition. They reported that fish waste is being left unattended, piles of thermocol boxes are discarded within the market complex, and gutters are clogged with garbage and silt, leading to overflow onto the roadside. Broken gates and damaged compound walls are also allowing miscreants to access the premises freely.
Despite the presence of a waste collection vehicle from the Margao Municipal Council, the vendors noted that dry waste is still being set on fire in various parts of the complex, adding to the pollution problem.
Vendors reiterated that the deteriorating conditions are negatively impacting business and causing major inconvenience them and customers as well.
“We are tired of requesting SGPDA to take this matter seriously and have a tough time dealing with customers, as many are complaining about the mess, which is preventing them from visiting the market. Wastewater is overflowing onto the road due to choked gutters, and a rotten stench fills the air,” said vendors.
“Now, it is only the court that can take the authorities to task, as they did with the wholesale fish market issue,” they said.
