MARGAO: A recent theft of fish worth lakhs of rupees has once again highlighted the poorly maintained state of the retail fish market in Margao owned by the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA). Fish vendors claim that they have had to repair the gates themselves due to the authority’s failure to take action.
Fish vendors told O Heraldo that SGPDA has yet to settle bills for the gate repairs, and shockingly, the cost of the locks for the gates has also come out of the hard-earned money of the fish vendors.
Recently, the vendors caught an individual attempting to steal fish stored overnight, revealing that several gates of the fish market blocks are damaged and broken, providing easy access for thieves.
A visit to the market uncovered ongoing challenges for fish vendors and consumers alike. Garbage outside the SGPDA market complex poses a significant health hazard, with no action taken by concerned authorities, including the Margao Municipal Council.
Felix Gonsalves, President of the Retail Fish Vendors Association, stated that they repaired the gates twice, but SGPDA is reluctant to pay the bills. He highlighted that the responsibility of securing the stored fish falls on the vendors due to the lack of security arrangements, adding that the absence of security personnel at night increases the risk.
Since SGPDA has not settled the bills, the vendors have stopped repairing the damaged gates. Gonsalves emphasised SGPDA’s responsibility to maintain the market and raised concerns about inadequate water supply and the absence of the promised fish storage system.
Gonsalves suggested that SGPDA should have a separate office dedicated to market matters to address issues promptly. Vendors expressed a willingness to pay higher fees for improved facilities and called on the people of Margao and Fatorda to raise their voices.
Piedade Fernandes, a fish vendor, highlighted the struggles of nearly 500 vendors due to the lack of proper facilities, leading to financial losses from stolen fish. Vendors also complained about the stench and garbage mess around the market, causing significant health hazards, with authorities failing to take corrective action.
SGPDA Chairman Krishna ‘Daji’ Salkar did not respond to phone calls seeking his reaction to the complaints of the fish vendors.
