Team Herald
QUEPEM: It may sound strange but the ground reality is that the newly-constructed municipal complex has no provision for a fish market.
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The fishermen have complained that the municipality has not provided them space in the new building as they are forced to carry out business in the temporary fish market near the cemetery while others are selling fish by the roadside.
Quepem locals asked the municipality has it provided any space for vegetable and fruit vendors as most are noticed conducting their business by encroaching on the footpath and by the roadside in the town area.
When asked the new complex has no provision for a fish market, Quepem municipal engineer Nitin Kotharkar said, “The project work was undertaken by GSUDA and while planning this project, there was provision for the fish market on the ground floor. However at the same time they planned seven new shops which could generate income for the municipality. This is the reason that new seven shops were introduced in plan. Discussion is on whether to have fish market on the ground floor or on the municipal land near Quepem Co-operative Society admeasuring around 300 sq mts”.
“There will be provision for fish market within a few days,” he said.
When questioned on the issue, QMC chief officer Madhu Narvekar feigned ignorance and asked to seek project details from the QMC chairperson.
QMC chairperson Suchita Shirwaikar said, “I am not aware, as the plan was placed by technical team not during my tenure and now the inauguration of complex was done during my tenure as chairperson. The issue will be discussed, no injustice will be meted out to anyone and everything will be done as per law.”
