Team Herald
MARGAO: Alarmed by the recent surge in cholera and dengue cases in South Goa, citizens have called for an urgent gram sabha to address the crisis, highlighting that the conditions at the private jetty in Mobor and the large influx of migrants are significant factors exacerbating these health issues.
Additionally, there is a strong demand for improved river management at Cutbona and Mobor jetties to prevent further spread of the infectious diseases.
On Wednesday, a group of citizens, accompanied by Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, gathered at the site to discuss the pressing health issue. They voiced deep concern over the cholera and dengue outbreaks that have left hundreds of migrant workers ailing. The meeting focused on identifying key factors contributing to the crisis, including the role of the private jetty and the influx of migrants.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Salvador Colaco highlighted significant issues at the private jetty in Mobor. He pointed out that the operations of the jetty have led to considerable nuisance, where hundreds of migrant labourers have access to only two toilets.
“The situation of these migrant workers is creating major problems,” Colaco said, emphasising that inadequate sanitation facilities are contributing to the spread of diarrhoea and dengue in the area.
Similarly, Shelton Fernandes, a youth from Mobor-Cavelossim, urged the panchayat to convene a gram sabha without delay to address the situation. “The outbreak of cholera and dengue in our locality must be taken seriously,” Fernandes asserted. He pointed out that the living conditions and lifestyle of the migrant workers at the private jetty are not only impacting public health but also affecting traditional Goan fishermen.
He further questioned the adequacy of the two toilet blocks provided for over a hundred labourers at the site. “The sanitation situation is clearly insufficient and needs urgent improvement,” Fernandes stated. He also demanded that all illegal activities at the private jetty be halted immediately.
Meanwhile, MLA Venzy Viegas criticised the Primary Health Centre and the Health Minister for their lack of attention to the health risks. “The officials at the Primary Health Centre should have conducted checks on the prevailing conditions at the site and taken prompt action,” Viegas stated. He expressed frustration that the health centre’s inaction, remarking that despite being aware of the sanitation issues, their lax attitude has contributed to the current outbreak of dengue and other health problems. “The lack of response from the health authorities has directly led to this crisis,” he added.
Viegas also highlighted issues of river mismanagement and poor garbage handling on fishing boats, stating, “There is a glaring lack of garbage management in the fishing industry.” He questioned why the industry is not adhering to proper waste disposal practices and announced plans to establish a vigilance cell to oversee river management at Cutbona and Mobor jetties.
He also demanded that the Health Department take proactive measures to prevent similar health crises across Goa. “The Fisheries Department is one of the worst-performing departments, failing in every aspect of its responsibilities,” Viegas alleged.