MAPUSA: Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte has appealed to Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant to come up with a mechanism for quarantining the seafarers in Goa itself instead of moving them to other States.
“This issue has been discussed at different level by the MLAs. However, this is a major issue which needs to be understood by the people of Goa. These are common people who are working at different locations for their living and if the State government cannot take care of them, then it’s a shame,” he said.
“With the ongoing COVID-19 issue, countries are taking required initiatives to evacuate their citizens. However, our State government is unable to take even simple initiative. A couple of MLAs and ministers including Health Minister Vishwajit Rane are on record that the State is ready to quarantine around 8000 people. However, on the other hand, RDA Minister Michael Lobo is also on record that the State is not well equipped to quarantine these 100 seafarers,” he said.
“When the Naphtha vessel had reached Goa, Chief Minister had personally visited the MPT. During the Naphtha issue, decisions were taken without following the guidelines and protocol just because some commercials were involved. However, now when the seafarers have already reached Goa, they are being moved to Maharashtra where they will be quarantined and moved back Goa. If the State government is not capable enough to protect its own citizens then what is the government doing?” Khaunte questioned.
“I have raised this topic, because I want the government to come up with a constructive solution to this issue. I appeal to the chief minister to come up with mechanism to quarantine the seafarers in the state itself instead of moving to some other States. Right now there is panic among the families; and if the seafarers are quarantined in the State at a separate location then it will give relief to the families,” Khaunte said.
