MARGAO
Are bio-toilets on mechanized fishing vessels an answer to the sanitation issues at fishing jetties, more so when the stakeholders, including the Fisheries Department, have been caught napping in making available toilet facilities for the thousands of migrant workers?
Well, if Fisheries Director Dr Shamila Monteiro is to be believed, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMSSY) promises to overcome the sanitation issues of the migrant workers as the it provides for the establishment of bio-toilets on the mechanized fishing vessels.
At a meeting with the fishing stakeholders from Cutbona and the representatives of the NGOs, including Goacan and the Velim Civic and Consumer Forum, demanding for the provision of adequate sanitation facilities at the jetty, the Fisheries Director further pointed out that the Prime Minister’ scheme has a subsidy component as well.
Keeping in mind the theme for World Toilet Day (November 19) -- Sustainable Sanitation and Climate Change -- it was agreed at the meeting that a presentation on the setting up, usage and sustainability of bio-toilets will be made at Fisheries Sub-Office at Cutbona fishing jetty on Thursday (Nov 19).
The presentation has been arranged at the jetty to create appropriate awareness amongst the stakeholders on such bio-toilets which are proposed for the fishing vessels.
The meeting reviewed the functioning of the existing Sulabh toilet, wherein it was decided to incentivize its usage by introducing a pass system to avoid payment per usage and to encourage toilet usage among the fish workers. It was also decided that Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) programmes must be introduced to discourage open defecation.
The meeting agreed that a formal request for mobile toilets as a stop-gap arrangement will be made to Swacch Bharat Mission (Rural) Government of Goa so that the setting up, maintenance and costing will be discussed and appropriate service provider identified for the same
The progress of the setting up of the 50 seater toilet with the required STP was discussed and a status report will be prepared to identify tasks to be undertaken in the 60 days with the Town & Country Planning, Department & Directorate of Health Services and Goa State Pollution Control Board.
The meeting also took stock of the fact that poor sanitation and open defecation in water bodies, pollution of the seas, dumping of plastic waste in the rivers are some of the factors that are affecting the fish catch and therefore there must be an awareness campaign on this matter.
