MARGAO
A joint inspection of the Cutbona fishing jetty on Wednesday has called for a clean up drive around the Sulabh toilet block and near the ice plant, with health officials expressing concern that the abandoned tyres, fish crates etc will result in water accumulation and a breeding ground for vector-borne diseases.
The inspection team, however, noticed improvements in and around the Cutbona jetty since the last inspection carried out last year. Team members, however, have called for further improvements given that the Cutbona fishing jetty is the home to the largest fleet of fishing vessels and migrant labour during the peak fishing season.
With the Cutbona fishing jetty witnessing an outbreak of dengue and vector-borne diseases, the health team has decided to compile a report, insisting on the improvement of health and sanitation issues and preventing an outbreak of vector-borne diseases.
It was observed that a clean up drive was required around the Sulabh toilet complex and the area outside the fisheries complex.
Besides, the team pointed out that the surroundings of the Sulabh Toilet Block need to be improved and a detailed chart of emptying the septic tank to be maintained.
The team comprised of Dr Nandini S Korgaonkar - State Entomologist NVBDCP - DHS Panaji, Roland Martins - GOACAN coordinator, Lorna Fernandes - GOACAN secretary, Ramesh Satarkar - MPHW (M) - PHC Balli, Joel Diniz - Fisheries Officer, Ramona Almeida - convenor of Velim Civic & Consumer Forum, Vinita R Morajkar - Velim panchayat secretary, Velim panch Veena Cardozo, Brajesh Singh of Sulabh International and Nazareth Fernandes - Talathi of Velim.
The team appreciated the allocation of a room in the Fisheries Complex to PHC Balli for its staff to undertake its field activities and health card preparation.
The team further appreciated the Directorate of Fisheries for installing a 12 seater toilet block, though it was found that its commissioning and appointment of maintenance in charge is still not finalized. The process for setting up the 50 seater toilet block with STP has moved ahead for estimates and clearance.
The team, however, expressed its disappointment that to date the official handing over of the new jetty was not done, the required facilities had not yet been provided and its formal inaugural had not held. It was decided to follow up the same in the next two months.
