NT Reporter
Siolim
The long-standing demand for an upgraded fish market in Siolim is being addressed with the laying of the
foundation stone for its reconstruction at an estimated cost of Rs 1.1 crore under the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC).
The project, whose foundation stone was laid on Friday, involves dismantling the existing dilapidated structure and rebuilding the market with improved facilities, including a new roof, proper drainage, an independent water storage tank, an upgraded electrical supply, renovated toilets, interlocking paver tiles around the premises and designated parking spaces. Dedicated stalls will also be provided for vegetable vendors who previously operated along the roadside.
A temporary fish shed has been set up nearby to allow vendors to continue their business during the construction period, which is estimated to take one to three months.
The foundation stone was laid in the presence of Siolim BJP MLA Delilah Lobo, GSIDC chairman Michael Lobo, sarpanch Babru Govekar, former sarpanch Sharmila Vernekar, panchayat members, GSIDC officials and local fish vendors.
Delilah said the project fulfils a key promise made to the constituency and appealed to vendors and customers to cooperate during the construction.
“According to the manifesto, around 99% of the promised work has been delivered. We have brought real development to Siolim. I request all fish lovers to bear a minor inconvenience of one to two months for the greater good of having a market that will serve the community for the next 15 years,” she said.
Delilah said a second phase involving a ground-plus-one (G+1) structure could be considered
once permissions under
the CRZ 2019 notification are finalised.
GSIDC chairman Michael Lobo said the current project would focus on the ground floor, with scope for additional facilities in a subsequent phase.
“Once the CRZ 2019 notification is implemented, ground-plus-one structures will be allowed. The ground floor is being constructed now, and upper-level benefits can be extended to shop owners in the next phase,” he said.
Michael said other infrastructure works are also being undertaken, including road widening and hotmixing, the installation of dividers and height barriers, and underground cabling of 11 kV power lines to improve road safety and electricity supply.
