Daijiworld Media Network - Margao
Margao, Sep 6: After multiple delays and missed deadlines, the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) has finally scheduled the commissioning of the redeveloped multi-crore Margao wholesale fish market for September 20, officials confirmed.
SGPDA chairman and MLA Krishna Salkar told The Goan that although the market was initially planned for inauguration in July, minor pending works forced postponements. “We aimed to open the market before the new fishing season started on August 1. However, some issues came to our attention and have now been addressed,” he explained.
One key safety concern was an electric pole positioned in the middle of the market, which posed a risk of electric shock to visitors. The PDA has decided to remove and relocate the pole immediately. Additionally, incomplete gutters and drainage systems will be fixed on an urgent basis ahead of the September 20 opening.
The Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC), responsible for the project, had finished the first phase by December last year. The market's inauguration was previously anticipated on Goa Liberation Day and later on Republic Day, but both dates passed without completion.
The PDA also plans to invite Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Town and Country Planning Minister Vishwajit Rane to the inauguration ceremony.
In related news, the PDA is preparing to float a tender for sopo fee collection by the end of this month. The tender process had been stalled since December 2023 after a controversial clause demanding bidders to have 10 years of fishing business experience was challenged and scrapped.
“The tender will be open to all prospective bidders, and we aim to complete the tendering process by the end of September,” Salkar said. The delay has cost the PDA significant revenue, as private players were expected to pay around Rs 32 lakh monthly in sopo fees, compared to the Rs 11-12 lakh currently collected by the PDA.
Regarding market upkeep, the PDA has decided to award toilet maintenance work to Sulabh International and plans to hire a private agency for overall cleanliness and hygiene once the market opens.
“Cleanliness at Goa Medical College and other facilities is maintained through private agencies. Similarly, we will engage a firm to ensure the redeveloped market remains clean and hygienic,” Salkar added.
With the inauguration date finally set, the PDA hopes to resolve lingering issues and ensure smooth functioning of the Margao wholesale fish market moving forward.