Monday was an auspicious day for the people of Margão. Exactly 17 years ago, the SGPDA fish market was inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar. Today, it has been renovated and remodeled on the same lines as the one in Dubai. With the success of completing the renovation work and opening this newly renovated fish marked at the SGPDA market at Fatorda in Margao, there are plans to go ahead and do the same for the other SGPDA markets in the area. Speaking at the inauguration, Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai said that a proper developmental plan will soon be drawn in consultation with Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) to get the work underway.
The newly renovated fish market is the talk of the town
The cost of renovations was 1.7 crores. After inaugurating the renovated fish market, Sardesai said, “Exactly 17 years ago, the SGPDA market was inaugurated at the hands of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and today, on the same day, it has been given a new look.” He also asked that the fish vendors be cooperative and maintain cleanliness in the premises. “I will not compromise on cleanliness. CCTV cameras have been installed and a person has been engaged to monitor the camera footage. Action will be taken against those dirtying the market,” he said. Sardesai is also confident of solving any teething problems that are expected at the beginning of this venture.
CM Manohar Parrikar could not attend the inaugural however his message to the public was aired. In it, he apologized for not being able to be there in person and also appealed to the citizens to keep the space clean.
A message from the President of the Fish Vendors’ Association, Felix Gonsalves was also screened.
Of course, there is an initial deposit of one lakh to be paid by each vendor for the stall they are occupying. Sardesai said that aside from this amount, no one will have to pay anything extra. However, a lot of vendors are yet to pay. According to Sardesai, it was a thrill to see this kind of market in Dubai. Why then couldn’t Goa have the same? “Accordingly, we worked in tandem to make it a reality and in six months, the fish market in Margao was renovated and given a new look,” he said.
Image credit – Charles Da Silva
The renovated fish market is quite impressive
The newly renovated fish market looks to be state-of-the-art. There are stainless steel stands to keep the fish on. These are easier to clean than the stands that were previously used. Thermocol ice-boxes are out as each vendor now has an insulated fish storage box. The flooring has been done with vitrified tiles and the drainage system in the market has been improved.
However, while the inaugural of the renovated fish market was much spoken about, there no other Salcete MLAs were present. Only Churchill Alemão attended. Alemão urged Sardesai to complete the wholesale fish market at the earliest. He also appealed to the TCP Minister to minimize the amount that the vendors will be charged.
SGPDA chairperson, Dr. Renuka Da Silva welcomed the gathering.
Information credit – http://www.navhindtimes.in/madgavkars-%E2%80%89get-refurbished-retail-fish-market/
ItsGoa/JUNE/KDGP
