PROJECT TIMELINE
2014: Fish and meat complex inaugurated; project hailed as a modern market facility
2015: Mapusa Municipal Council passes resolution to construct an exhibition hall on the second floor; proposal forwarded to GSUDA
2015–2018: Second-phase work begins; project scheduled for completion by 2018
Post-2018: Initial contractor abandons work; contract terminated and new contractor appointed
2020–2024: Project progresses at a sluggish pace; absence of lift keeps upper floors underutilised
2025: GSUDA states civil work is complete; lift installation pending final payment approval. No completion deadline announced
MAPUSA
Nearly a decade after work began, the second phase of the Mapusa fish and meat market complex – including a much-touted exhibition hall meant to empower self-help groups – remains incomplete, symbolising yet another public project caught in prolonged delay and official silence.
The fish and meat complex, inaugurated in 2014, was hailed as one of the most modern market structures in Mapusa. The multi-storey facility houses a fish market on the ground floor and chicken and meat stalls on the first floor.
However, even today, several stalls remain unoccupied due to the absence of an elevator, resulting in underutilisation of space and loss of municipal revenue.
The second floor of the complex was earmarked for an exhibition hall following a resolution passed by the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) and forwarded to the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) for execution.
The proposal was initiated on the recommendation of late former Mapusa MLA Francis D’Souza, with the objective of providing a dedicated platform for self-help groups to showcase and sell locally made products.
Work on the second phase commenced in 2015 and was originally scheduled for completion by 2018.
However, progress stalled after the initial contractor abandoned the project, forcing authorities to terminate the contract and appoint a new agency.
Despite the change, work has continued at a sluggish pace, with no clear completion timeline announced so far.
Local councillor Sudhir Kandolkar recalled that the project was envisioned as a boost to local entrepreneurship. “The council passed a resolution to create a space for self-help groups to sell their products and become financially independent. That proposal was sent to GSUDA years ago, but the project continues to remain pending,” he said.
What has further raised eyebrows is the apparent silence of local leadership, including the Mapusa Municipal Council and the sitting MLA, on the prolonged delay.
Repeated postponements, residents say, reflect a lack of urgency and accountability.
When contacted, a senior GSUDA engineer maintained that most of the work had been completed.
“The civil work for the exhibition hall is already over. We are currently awaiting final approval for payment related to the installation of the lift. Once approval is received, the lift will be installed immediately and the project handed over to the municipality,” the official said.
Vendors, however, remain sceptical. Several traders pointed out that the lack of accessibility has discouraged occupancy on the upper floors since the market’s inauguration.
“Without a lift, customers avoid coming upstairs. That is why many stalls are still lying unused,” said a vendor, requesting anonymity.
As Mapusa continues to expand as a commercial hub, the stalled exhibition hall stands as a reminder of how well-intended projects often slip into limbo – filed away, forgotten and awaiting action long after their promise has faded.
