NT Reporter
Margao
The South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA)-owned retail fish market is facing poor infrastructure, choked drains and inadequate sanitation, prompting regular customers and citizens to demand immediate action from
the authorities.
The market, once envisioned as a facility modelled on international shopping standards, is now facing neglect, with vendors allegedly occupying common passages and making movement difficult
for customers.
“Walking inside the market is a hazard. The floors are permanently slippery with fish water, the gates are broken and there is hardly any space to move,” said regular customer
Mahesh Naik.
Another customer said people were forced to walk through unhygienic and foul-smelling areas.
Visitors said drainage chambers remained choked with waste, resulting in a foul stench that was driving customers away.
Vendors alleged that the authority had failed to provide an uninterrupted water supply to clean their stalls, resulting in unhygienic conditions. They also claimed that no corrective action had been taken despite complaints.
SGPDA management, however, said the nominal sopo (daily market toll) collected from vendors was insufficient to fund major repairs and
maintenance.
Local trade unions disputed the claim, saying vendors were willing to pay higher maintenance charges if the authority ensured proper infrastructure and sanitation.
While the adjacent SGPDA wholesale section is being outsourced to private contractors for maintenance, visitors have urged the authority to improve conditions at the
retail fish market.
