VASCO
The ongoing tussle between the Vasco fish market vendors and fish wholesalers erupted yet again on Tuesday, with the fish vendors demanding action against wholesalers for selling fish and the wholesalers refusing to stop selling fish.
A number of agitated Vasco fish market vendors led by advocate Fr Michael Fernandes marched to the MMC and met the administrator, demanding immediate action against the fish wholesalers operating at Kharewaddo.
The fish vendors claimed that wholesalers continued to sell fish and had caused losses to them as they were not getting many customers in the fish market.
Adv Michael Fernandes also submitted a representation to the MMC administrator on behalf of the agitated fish vendors.
Speaking to reporters, Fr Fernandes said an order was issued by the MMC Chief officer that MMC inspectors would seek help of police to clear roadside fish vendors between 7 am and 7 pm.
“Sadly, this order is not implemented as yet and there are people still selling fish outside the fish market at different locations.”
“We have been assured by the MMC administrator that he will issue another order to his staff and also write to the police for help to stop anyone selling fish outside the market. We will wait and watch to check if the order is implemented or not,” said Fr Fernandes.
On the other hand, a fish wholesaler, Paxiao Monteiro, said he was only selling fish caught from his own boats and trawlers. “Why should we stop selling fish we catch from our own boats and what do we do if we don’t sell the fish catch? We may have to go to Margao or other places to sell the fish we catch.”
“We offer fresh fish at best prices and people are benefiting from this. It should be the choice of people to go to the fish market or buy from a wholesaler.”
“We have clients who are fish factories and restaurants and we don’t sell in retail.”
“People sometimes complain that fish is sold at exorbitant rates in the market. We had also requested the market vendors to allow us sell wholesale fish at the market so that the issue can be resolved, but they drove us away. We will not stop selling our catch of fish to wholesale customers,” said Monteiro.
Will decide after meeting wholesalers: MMC administrator
VASCO: Administrator of Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Gurudas Pilankar said he would take a call after meeting the fish wholesalers in the matter.
“I have heard the complaint of the vendors who claim wholesalers are selling fish illegally. They claimed that the previous council would confiscate the fish. However, fish is a perishable item and can rot, if sealed. We have to find a solution after listening to both parties and I will call the wholesalers for a discussion soon,” said Pilankar.
