the goan I network
VASCO
Despite anger and widespread opposition to a quarantine centre being set up at Harbour, the Mormugao BJP Block has said it would not object to the quarantine centre as long as the Director of Health Services (DHS) equips the centre with proper facilities and conducts an awareness camp for locals to explain the need and functioning of the quarantine centre.
Addressed a news conference in Vasco on Friday, Mormugao BJP President Sanjay Satardekar said panic was created on Thursday due to some misinformation.
“When Urban Development Minister and our MLA Milind Naik was informed of the facts, we realised that the proposed quarantine centre at Harbour was only like a backup office. Passengers from the airport are being taken to ESI Hospital, GMC, Chicalim Sub District hospital and even some beds in a private hospital in Chicalim. Hence, this quarantine facility at Harbour was only a backup facility,” said Satardekar.
“People expressed strong opposition to the quarantine centre because one newspaper claimed that some Iranian passengers infected with coronavirus would be shifted to the Harbour. Finally, we had to take the people to the Dy Collector to file their objections,” said Satardekar.
“Even though we hope there is not even a single coronavirus case found in Goa, if the government feels the need for a quarantine centre at Harbour to fight coronavirus, we must know that the Government is well prepared and equipped.”
MMC Councillor Murari Bandekar said objections were filed to assess the actual situation.
“Dy Collector Paresh Faldesai also wrote to the South Goa Collector and other authorities stating that since there were objections, the quarantine centre should be cancelled.”
“As of now people are peaceful, but if the situation arises in the future that a quarantine centre is required in Harbour like other centres, then the government must take people into confidence and convey the message to them that there will be no problems to surrounding areas.”
“The government should explain to residents of Headland Sada that the quarantine centre will not affect or cause the spread of COVID-19 due to the facility,” said Bandekar.
