The long pending proposal to shift Sao Paulo market of Taleigao to a new location in order to ease the traffic congestion is yet to see the light of the day. This is despite the fact that the Village Panchayat of Taleigao has already passed the resolution and acquired land near Sao Paulo to go ahead with the new market complex.
While the project had been promised long back, it is making very slow progress for various reasons. But there is an urgent need for expediting this market complex in the view of lack of facilities and traffic congestion at the existing facility say Taleigao residents.
When Team Herald spoke to some of the local residents and vendors at Taleigao, they expressed complete dissatisfaction as the long pending proposal to shift the market premises has still not seen the daylight. It was very evident that they are not happy with the present situation, as they informed Team Herald, that the new market complex, as promised by the Panchayat and MLA, has still not come up and it only feels like a dream which, they say, will never come true.
“If in case a new market complex comes up in Taleigao as proposed, it would be beneficial not only to the people of Taleigao, but also to Santa Cruz, Dona Paula and nearby areas. People do need to rush to Panjim for most of their daily needs. A new market in its own dedicated building would ensure traffic at Taleigao is reduced since the local roadside vendors would also have their own place. So overall it would reduce Panjim crowd too besides helping the residents of Taleigao” said Adarsh Shettigar, a local resident of Taleigao
It was also witnessed that, if any heavy vehicle, like a truck or bus passes through this junction, it leads to the massive traffic congestion. Unlike other market complexes in Goa, Taleigao’s Sao-Paulo market is not housed in one single roof, as majority of the fish, fruits and vegetable vendors sell their products on the road side, thus blocking the footpath and creating chaos and ruckus.
A local vendor Raju S had this to say: “We are waiting for the past many years for a new market complex to come up but till now nothing has been done, if it comes up soon it will not only ease the situation but we will get a permanent space to sell are products and people will also benefit as it will have ample parking space.”
“Why is the panchayat not taking up this new market complex project, it’s been so many years now that nothing has been done. People find it very difficult to find a parking place as the market facility is just besides the road. The footpath is in ultimate chaos,” said a local resident of Taleigao.
Meanwhile, Taleigao Village Panchayat Secretary Peter Martins said: “The Taleigao Village Panchayat has already passed the resolution to go ahead with the new market complex and is awaiting for a final permission from the NGPDA and then construction will be taken over by GSIDC.”
“This new market complex will definitely solve the traffic congestion, as it will have ample space, allotted only for parking. The new building will have independent slots for vendors, a post office, a bank and other important facilities. Once NGPDA gives a green signal work will begin soon, he added.
