Team Herald
VASCO: The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) and Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida have assured the fisherwomen from Vasco fish market that the civic body would not allow illegal sale of fish along the roadside in the municipal areas.
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They informed that the work to erect a temporary shed for the fish vendors from market will commence shortly as the work of the new fish market complex project is expected to begin within 15 days.
On Monday, a group of around 30 fisherwomen from Vasco fish market gathered at the Deputy Collector’s office to meet the officials to put forth their grievances and to know about the arrangements made by the authorities for them after the work of new fish market complex commences.
The meeting which lasted for almost an hour was attended by Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida, MMC chairperson Nandadeep Raut, Deputy Collector Mormugao Sachin Desai, MMC Chief Officer Arvind Bugde, Councillor Fredrick Henriques, Vasco Police Inspector Nilesh Rane and others.
After the meeting, Caridade Pereira, President of the Vasco Fish Market Association informed that fisherwomen’s demand was to stop the vendors who sell fish illegally at the roadside at cheaper prices.
“We have been assured by the officials that from Tuesday onwards vendors selling fish illegally along the roadside and outside fish market will not be allowed. If my demands are fulfilled by the authorities then my association will fully back the new market complex project,” Pereira said.
Pereira warned that if MMC fails to fulfil their promises and if the vendors are seen selling fish illegally along the roadside in municipal area then the fisherwomen from fish market will go on strike.
Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida said, “The new fish market complex is needed in Vasco. People are facing problems because of the existing infrastructure. I am thankful to the MMC for utilising the fourteen finance funds for this project. There was a major issue during the discussion that some vendors were selling fish at roadsides illegally. It was decided in the meeting not to allow such things in the municipal areas. The people who are selling along the roadside now do not have permission to sell fish”.
MMC chairperson Nandadeep Raut said, “Since the pandemic due to loss of livelihood many have resorted to selling fish, fruits, veggies etc along the roadside. But now the situation is returning to normal therefore such activities cannot be allowed. I feel that the new market complex project work is likely to start within 15 days. Fisherwomen have been assured by the authorities that from Tuesday onwards MMC will not allow vendors to sit along the roadside and sell commodities illegally.”
Raut urged vendors not to sell fish, fruits and veggies illegally along the roadside and these commodities should be sold by the registered vendors only.
He added that on Tuesday MMC will inspect the sites where the temporary shed could be erected for fisherwomen.
