Team Herald
MARGAO: The renovated SGPDA retail fish market was inaugurated on Monday by TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai in the presence of Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao and others.
Renovated at a cost to Rs 1.7 crore by PDA and partly by GSIDC, market will house around 144 fishermen. MMC chairperson Babita Angle, SGPDA chairperson Renuka Da Silva, Ravindra Bhavan chairman Prashant Naik and others were present. The original market was inaugurated in 2001 by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar with 144 fish stalls. The renovation was need of the hour to facilitate proper passage for people to walk and make sure that proper hygiene is maintained in the market.
The new market has CCTVs, drainage system for individual stalls, insulated containers and compartments for sale of fish, old Portuguese styled roof with Azulejo style ceiling, music, LED lamps, etc. A separate place outside the market has been made available for those cutting fish, who will have to pay Rs 1,000 per month.
In a video message, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar congratulated the people of Margao and informed that he was the CM when this market was first inaugurated.
The Chief Minister urged the people and the vendors that the responsibility to keep it clean is on them.
“We will also take up the other parts of the market soon and will keep Margao and Fatorda on the track of development,” said the Chief Minister.
Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao said, “There are not many Goans at the wholesale market. Goans have to be given place at the wholesale market too”.
TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai said, “We are happy that we delivered the promise in six months.” He revealed his plans that the entire market will be taken up for similar renovation including the fruit and vegetable market.
