VASCO
The fish vendors have insisted on clarity on documents for the proposed new Vasco fish market.
This issue was raised at a joint meeting convened on Friday afternoon to address the matter of the Vasco fish market project. Those present at the meeting included advocate for the fish vendors, Fr Michael Fernandes, a group of vendors, Mormugao Dy Collector Sachin Desai, Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Nandadeep Raut, MMC Chief Officer Arvind Bugde and councillors Fredrick Henriques and Yatin Kamurlekar.
Later speaking to reporters, Fr Fernandes said the meeting was convened to address four key issues raised by the vendors.
"One was regarding ownership of premises, permission from 14th Finance Commission to utilise funds for the market, sale of fish outside the market and a written assurance.”
“The MMC has clarified that the 14th Finance Commission funds were for development works in MMC jurisdiction and MMC has assured to give us necessary documents.”
“The MMC claims to have the D form but that does not mean they are owners of the land. The MMC has said the land has been gifted to them and we have sought documents of the gift deed. According to the MMC, the land which belonged to a childless couple had been gifted to them. But they must produce relevant documents which they have not shown us," said Fr Fernandes.
“The MMC must produce two documents on ownership and permission of 14th Finance Commission approvals, after which we can decide on our next step," he added.
Fish Vendors President Caridade Pereira said while they all wanted the market they also wanted to ensure that all documents were in place.
"The MMC must first give us necessary documents after which we will give a nod to the new project. They have assured that the new market will be completed within 18 months," said Pereira.
Boat owner Seby D'Souza said they had attended the meeting in support of fish vendors.
"We also want the market to be taken up and we must support the cause because if the market is clean and has all facilities, we will have a good business environment as well," said D’Souza.
Temporary fish shed within 10 days: MMC
MMC Chairperson Nandadeep Raut said a temporary shed would be set up within 10 days, after which work would start on the new market.
“The joint meeting was convened to offer more clarity to the fish vendors. We had already shown them the necessary documents and now they have asked for two more documents regarding land ownership and 14th Finance Commission approvals which we will give them.”
“We will get a temporary shed within 10 days and then we will start construction on the new fish market complex," said Raut.
