Team Herald
MARGAO: Shoppers and vendors at the South Goa Planning and Development Authority's (SGPDA) retail market in Fatorda are up in arms over the deteriorating conditions that compromise hygiene and safety. The market, which houses fish, vegetable, fruit, and meat stalls, is marred by overflowing drains and chambers, broken tiles, piles of waste and an unpleasant stench, leading to frustration among citizens.
Originally revamped between 2018 and 2019 with aspirations to mirror the Dubai fish market, the retail fish market has since fallen into disrepair. The lack of maintenance has caused the site to become an eyesore, with clogged gutters spilling blackish water, raising health alarms. Rotting fruit and vegetable waste piles around the market exacerbate the unhygienic environment, while vendors and customers alike blame the authorities for failing to maintain basic cleanliness standards.
Market vendors argue that their calls for improved services and clarity on maintenance fees have been ignored. Representatives of the Fish Vendors Association contend that while they are not opposed to paying maintenance fees, the SGPDA must outline what improvements and services will be provided in return. They also criticise the ongoing practice of retail sales at the wholesale fish market nearby, also owned by SGPDA, which they say has hit their business. They use this as a way to back up their stance that while they are being asked to pay such high maintenance fees, there is another parallel market operating nearby that has affected their income.
SGPDA officials have acknowledged the need for urgent action and have indicated that repair plans are in place. An official explained, “We conducted gutter clean-ups, but they get blocked again shortly after. Cooperation is necessary to keep the market in proper condition.”
However, they stress that cooperation from vendors, including timely fee payments, is crucial for consistent upkeep. Another big issue is the demand of the PDA to increase the maintenance fees which they say would help with the proposed repair and renovation costs too.
Past suggestions to transfer market management to the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) have gone unheeded, leaving questions about whether the planning authority can effectively manage the site.
While the SGPDA seeks government support for a one-time grant to facilitate renovations, shoppers and vendors hope for swift action to address the market's persistent problems.