PANAJI
The Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited’s (IPSCDL) refurbishing of a fishing jetty has raised the hackles of a section of civil society over its intended purpose even as the government agency has insisted that the expansion of the jetty once completed would be used exclusively by fishermen only.
Ribandar fisherman wharf will come into reality as the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) has begun the process of building a wharf.
IPSCDL has invited online bids under two bid systems on item rate basis from eligible consultants / agencies for the work of “Rapid Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Studies for Redevelopment of Fishermen’s Wharf at Ribandar.
“We are sure that we will get EIA clearance and the work will start soon”, said Prayag Phadte, Assistant Manager of Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd.
The project will cost around Rs 5 crore, he said.
The present wooden structure of the warf which was built by the fishermen is in a dilapidated state. The fishermen are using the same wharf.
During every election, the fishermen have raised the demand for a new wharf. “There are 70-80 fishermen who are using the old wharf. Our demand is now getting fulfilled”, said Domnic Fernandes, a fisherman associated with the wharf.
Domnic thanked the MLA Atanasio Monserratte for his efforts.
The work of wharf construction was pending for a long time. The work hit a roadblock during the election time due to the code of conduct, said Domnic.
Although the IPSCDL has made it clear that the wharf will be solely for the use of fishermen, some people have apprehension that the wharf might be used for casinos in the future.
“A wharf at a cost of Rs 2 crore is being built at Ribandar Patto. Hope it is not an abode for casinos,” said Adv Aires Rodrigues.
This fishermen’s wharf at Ribandar will be redeveloped under the Smart Cities Project which is supposed to provide enhanced visitor experience offering attractive facilities
The design concept of the project shall focus on creating a destination with an iconic character through improved place-making providing an enhanced visitor experience offering attractive facilities while maintaining the intrinsic historical significance associated with it, states the tender document.
