EDITORIAL
Drainage deserves equal priority to ensure public infrastructure remains functional
The Vasco fish market was inaugurated with much fanfare just six months ago. On Wednesday, traditional fish vendors vacated it and began selling fish along the roadside, affecting the smooth flow of traffic. Their action was in protest against what they called “unhygienic and unbearable conditions inside the market”.
Their contention was that the drainage outlet installed in the market is too small and gets choked frequently. The vendors also said that the trigger for them to move out of the market was the drainage system flowing in reverse, bringing wastewater from the gutters into the fish-selling area. What was worse was that the situation created an unbearable stench, making it difficult for them to conduct business. This also kept customers away.
The new market complex was ready a year ago and was inaugurated in January this year. This also tells us how much importance we give to inaugural ceremonies. First of all, many projects are delayed for one reason or another, including delayed payments to contractors. And once the project is ready, it does not get commissioned, one reason being the non-availability of a VIP to preside over the inauguration ceremony. It does not matter much whether the project has been constructed to a good standard, whether parking has been provided or whether safety, health and hygiene norms have been followed.
As for the Vasco market complex, the fish market is on the ground floor, while the first floor was meant for vegetable and fruit vendors. Can the authorities say they were not aware of the drainage issue and the foul stench emanating from the fish market? Vendors say they had brought it to the notice of the authorities, but their concerns were not addressed. If that is true, then it is a failure on the part of the authorities to monitor the market’s maintenance.
Local MLA Krishna ‘Daji’ Salkar was quick to respond, assuring that an open drainage system would be installed at the fish market. He stated that the pending issues would be resolved within 15 days. Salkar also ensured that the drainage work began on Thursday. The vendors have warned that they will continue to conduct business from the roadside if the authorities fail to find a permanent solution to the issues they have raised. Besides the drainage issue, they had also raised with the MMC the matter of non-traditional fish vendors being allowed to sell fish by the roadside, resulting in those operating from the market getting less business.
Drainage is an issue in many projects across the state. New roads and even bridges face drainage problems. Top consultants are appointed and detailed project reports are approved by the government, but during construction, “minor” issues do not receive the attention they deserve. Within a year of commissioning, irregularities become visible in many projects. In the case of a bridge, one approach ramp can end up under knee-deep water during heavy rain, making the movement of traffic impossible. Water also accumulates on some stretches of the bridge, causing hardship, particularly for two-wheeler riders. D B Marg had a major drainage issue when the road and related infrastructure works were undertaken in a hurry for IFFI in 2004. That was more than 20 years ago, but drainage continues to be an issue. It remains to be seen whether the new Porvorim elevated corridor project has adequately addressed this aspect. Goa certainly requires good infrastructure, but drainage and safety aspects must be given due importance.
