Kharewaddo jetty neglect
D’Souza said the jetty, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), has been left to deteriorate.
“In the past, MPA would carry out annual maintenance every June, but this year they only gave an NOC to the State government and no repairs were done. The jetty is collapsing and sinking, posing a serious threat to fishermen, boat owners, workers and vehicles,” he said.
He recalled that Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar had inspected the site last month and even directed a contractor to begin works, but the exercise fizzled out after a day or two.
“We demanded a Sulabh Souchalaya at the jetty and the file was cleared, but despite follow-ups, the project never took off. They say a tender is passed, but till date there is no toilet for our workers,” D’Souza remarked.
Taking aim at Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar, D’Souza said he had expected more from a close friend and former cabinet colleague.
“I personally requested him to look into our issues, but nothing has moved. Just recently, he came to Baina for a Seva Pakwada programme and announced projects barely two kilometres from here. He could have easily visited Kharewaddo to see our plight. Instead, projects like toilet facilities are inaugurated virtually, while we are left without basic amenities,” he said.
Highlighting the hardships faced by boat owners, D’Souza said nearly 250 boats were struggling for docking space at Kharewaddo.
“Our wooden boats collide and get damaged, adding to our losses. We feel this neglect is deliberate, as if the government wants Vasco’s fishermen to suffer. God is watching, and He will ensure justice is done,” D’Souza warned.
