MARGAO
The Margao Municipal New Market Traders have on Wednesday resolved to oppose any proposal to shut down the market or to enforce the white and yellow line system to regulate customers in view of the surge in Covid cases.
In fact, the traders questioned the authorities for targeting the markets when there are not similar restrictions on shopping malls or on visitors to the State at the borders.
The traders that met under the leadership of Association President Vinod Shirodkar also demanded compensation in lieu of losses sustained by the traders last year in the wake of last year’s Covid-19 pandemic situation. They also demanded the waiver of the rent as well as the garbage fees levied by the Margao Municipal Council.
Putting to rest all speculations that the Municipal New market will be shut down in view of the rising Covid cases, Vinod Shirodkar reassured the beleaguered traders not to pay heed to rumours, saying the traders will never agree for a shut down or for enforcing of the white and yellow lines.
“We have suffered enough during the entire year because of the Covid-19 pandemic and we are still suffering. Shut down of the market is not a solution,” he asserted, while demanding to know from the authorities whether Covid cases are only prevailing in the markets and not in the shopping malls or business houses.
He, however, requested the traders to comply with the safety norms such as social distancing, masks wearing and use of sanitisers. He also asked the traders to ensure that they do not display the goods outside their shutters, with the MMC issuing a warning to confiscate goods displayed in the passages.
“We also have to adopt the safety measures in our interest and the interest of the customers. But, I want to make clear that we will not allow the shut down of the new market,” he asserted.
The traders also reiterated their demand that the MMC crack a whip against all the vehicles entering the market with goods.
Demanding to know whether the authorities have started any drive against the drivers of outstation vehicles entering the State, the traders pointed out that the wholesale fish market plays host to a zatra-type situation every morning.
“Why are the authorities only targeting the Municipal new market,” questioned another trader, who insisted that the government should first shut down the entire State or the city before going for a market shut down.
