Professional maintenance can make Goa’s fish markets safer for everyone
After a long delay, the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) has finally set August 1 as the deadline for commissioning the redeveloped wholesale fish market in Margao. It coincides with the beginning of the new fishing season after the 61-day ban on mechanised fishing ends.
The work was completed long ago by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), and it was handed over to the SGPDA (a planning body) more than a year ago. Why the SGPDA waited so long to have it formally inaugurated is not known. It is well known that the upkeep of the market is poor; unhygienic conditions prevail and maintenance has been a major issue. This wholesale market is the largest seafood hub in the state. It serves as the main distribution point for fish arriving in South Goa. However, the issue of cold storage has still not been addressed. Several traders from North Goa visit the wholesale fish market in the wee hours of the day. They do so with the belief that the fish is fresh. Eight years ago, fish safety became a major issue. The authorities claim they are still testing the fish that comes to the market and that everything is fine. Goa is a fish-eating state, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the fish we get is fresh and free of any unlawful preservatives. Strengthening regulatory frameworks and ensuring consistent enforcement of safety standards are important. By prioritising food safety, Goa can protect its citizens’ health, support its tourism industry and contribute to the state’s overall well-being.
The redeveloped wholesale fish market was inspected by PWD Minister Digambar Kamat, GSIDC Chairman Michael Lobo, SGPDA Chairman Krishna ‘Daji’ Salkar and others. During the inspection, it was found that some additional work has to be completed before the market is opened. Lobo, who assured that the works would be funded through the GSIDC, said that as maintenance is poor, it should be outsourced, saying a planning body cannot be expected to handle maintenance efficiently. Kamat, agreeing with Lobo, also said that the SGPDA should appoint a professional agency to maintain the market and address other operational issues. The market also needs a functional sewage treatment plant. In the present situation, where the SGPDA has not been able to maintain the market properly, handing over the maintenance work to a private agency sounds reasonable, provided the nitty-gritty of the work is specified in the agreement. There must also be a monitoring committee to inspect the market for health and hygiene. The commercial offices constructed on the first floor of the market complex can generate revenue for the SGPDA. It is not getting business for its shops and offices because the place is unhygienic.
In Goa, every town has a fish market, but unfortunately, most are not in good shape. Hygiene levels are low. Fish storage and drainage issues need to be addressed. Thousands of people visit fish markets daily, and vendors depend on this business. When crores of rupees are spent on marketing events, festivals and similar activities, can some funds not be diverted for the upkeep of markets?
It is high time the government and the respective municipalities worked together to ensure better fish markets. As technology has made its way into every field, the authorities will have to make the necessary arrangements for technology-enabled services. While the government has failed to provide fish at affordable rates to the common man, it should at least ensure that fish markets are properly maintained.
