River Navigation Minister Subhash Phaldessai on Wednesday directed officials of the department to improve ferry services and facilities at the Betim ferry wharf.
Phaldessai was responding to grievances of residents at Betim in the presence of Saligao MLA Kedar Naik and Superintendent of River Navigation Department VR Bhonsale.
Highlighting the problems faced by residents, Naik informed Phaldessai that the ferry service at Betim is irregular.
“Sometimes, only one ferry plies on the Betim-Panaji route, while sometimes there is no ferry available to commuters for two hours continuously. Hundreds of people, especially school children and office goers, use this ferry on a regular basis.”
“The absence of ferry in the morning and evening hours causes inconvenience to commuters and the RND should ensure that at least two ferry boats ply on this route on a regular basis,” said Naik.
The Saligao MLA also stated that toilets constructed at the ferry wharf are ready but no water connection has been provided to the toilets for several years.
“Toilets are essential not only for ferry passengers but also for shops and businesses in the area. These toilet blocks should be provided with water connection immediately, so that they can be put to use,” said Naik.
He also put forth the long-pending demand for a shed to benefit ferry commuters.
“Commuters face difficulties especially during rains and a shed should be constructed with seating arrangements,” Naik added.
After hearing the problems and demands of the people, Phaldessai directed RND officials to attend to these grievances immediately and let him know if they face any difficulties.
Later speaking to media persons, Phaldessai said he would visit the Betim ferry wharf again after two months to see the progress of the work.
