MARGAO: In response to numerous complaints from vendors and citizens, the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) has decided to undertake a complete renovation of the retail market in Fatorda.
The final decision on the proposal will be made by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, as determined at the recent SGPDA board meeting.
For years, hundreds of vendors, including retail fish vendors at the SGPDA market, have expressed their frustration over the market’s deplorable conditions. Customers have also urged authorities to take serious action. Issues include overflowing gutters filled with wastewater and fish waste, piles of garbage left to rot for days inside the market, and a compound wall that has not been repaired since its construction.
O Heraldo has highlighted these issues multiple times, echoing the concerns of the market vendors. Krishna ‘Daji’ Salkar, Chairman of SGPDA, acknowledged the poor conditions of the retail market after the board meeting. He pointed out that the compound wall had collapsed in several places and the market is in dire need of attention. “It took us nearly a month just to remove the mud from the gutters when we attempted to clean them,” Salkar stated.
SGPDA has now decided to propose a comprehensive facelift for the retail market to the government. Salkar mentioned that after the renovation, the issue of increasing sopo (market fee) will be discussed, taking into account the stakeholders’ input. “Vendors are not willing to pay more, and their demand is to prioritise the renovation of the market first,” he said.
Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, also a board member, informed that estimates will be prepared for the complete renovation of the retail market owned by SGPDA.