TEAM HERALD
VASCO: Cutting across party lines, people from Dabolim, Vasco and Mormugao constituencies have accused the Vasco market fish vendors of stalling the proposed fish market and have demanded that Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida go ahead with the construction of the new fish market.
Speaking to Herald, Laximan Naik of New Vaddem said it’s surprising that a few fisherwomen have denied a good fish market to the citizens of Vasco and other areas.
“The Vasco fish market does not only belong to the fish vendors, as claimed by them, but it also belongs to the people who purchase fish there,” added Naik.
A senior citizen, Robert Fernandes, said while other places like Margao, Panjim and other cities have hygienic fish markets, the Vasco fish market stinks as fish water gets accumulated on the floor and in the drains.
Another senior citizen, Ralph Rodrigues, said, “If 300-odd fisher vendors from Vasco fish market claim that the market is theirs, then the fish market also belongs to thousands of citizens who give business to the fish vendors.”
Most of the citizens are planning to conduct a signature campaign in favour of new fish market and submit it to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and all the four MLAs of Mormugao Taluka.
“We want all four MLAs of Mormugao taluka to intervene and provide Vasco a better fish market,” stated Rajshab Sheik.
Added Jerry D’Souza, “We are not against the fish vendors, as the market should be constructed as per their requirements, but just because everyone is silently listening to their unjustified demands, the Vasco fish vendors should not feel that they can have their way.”
Some fish vendors told Herald that they are in favour of a new fish market, but are afraid to come out openly as they feel they will be victimised by their leader and other fish vendors.
When contacted, Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida said he tried his best to draw the plans and construct the fish market as per the wishes of the fish vendors. “I conducted three meetings with all the fish vendors from Vasco fish market and even redesigned the plans as per their wish, but they failed to cooperate,” said Almeida.
“Citizens even approached me to start construction of the fish market and I assured them that the construction will commence after the rains. I have displayed the proposed market plans all over the city so that everyone can give their feedback,” he added.
