Daijiworld Media Network - Margao
Margao, Oct 23: The provision of a fish-cutting facility at the South Goa Planning and Development Authority’s (SGPDA) wholesale fish market has come under scrutiny, with GOACAN questioning its necessity in a market primarily meant for wholesale trading.
A committee constituted by the South Goa Collector to examine problems and recommend remedial measures at the SGPDA’s wholesale and retail fish markets inspected the newly constructed wholesale market building and its surroundings on Thursday.
The inspection reportedly identified shortcomings in sanitation, waste disposal, parking, fire safety and other essential facilities. The wholesale market building is yet to be formally inaugurated but is already in use.
GOACAN convenor Roland Martins said representatives of nine government departments participated in the inspection. Each department has been asked to record its observations and recommend corrective measures within its area of responsibility. Another inspection will be conducted with representatives of departments that were absent on Thursday.
The committee’s findings and recommendations for immediate and long-term corrective measures will be submitted to the Deputy Collector next week, Martins said.
GOACAN questioned the need for a fish-cutting area in the wholesale market and stressed the need to prevent retail fish sales on the premises.
The inspection reportedly found wastewater flowing through drains and fish waste stored in crates, raising concerns over hygiene and the health of vendors and customers. The committee stressed that adequate facilities must be ensured before the market becomes fully operational.
Parking was another concern, with Martins calling for sufficient space for customers’ vehicles to prevent roadside parking that could obstruct traffic and inconvenience commuters.
The committee also sought clarification on backup power arrangements. Martins questioned whether the necessary permissions and safety measures were in place for the large generator installed to supply electricity during outages, particularly regarding the risk of reverse current.
He said the committee was examining whether the facilities and infrastructure at both the wholesale and retail fish markets complied with the requirements of the respective departments.
Its report will outline immediate interventions and long-term measures to address the deficiencies identified.