VASCO
Director of Fisheries Yashaswini B visited the Vasco fishing jetty at Kharewaddo on Thursday following persistent demands from the Goa Fishing Boat Owners’ Association for repairs and expansion.
Speaking during the inspection, Yashaswini B said boat owners had been requesting an inspection ever since she took over charge as director of fisheries.
“I have come to see first-hand the struggles faced by the fishermen. For any development, a proposal needs to be submitted and forwarded to the union ministry. We will assess what can be done from our side.”
Boat owner and politician Jose Philip D’Souza expressed his frustration over the delay in repairs, highlighting that while the government has been investing in the expansion of Malim, Betul, and Cutbona jetties, Vasco continues to be neglected.
“If the work is delayed by another year, we will suffer heavy losses,” he warned, urging the new director to expedite the process.
Another boat owner shared concerns about the worsening conditions at sea and the inadequate facilities at the jetty.
“We don’t even have a toilet. The area is too small, and only 10-12 boats can dock at a time, leading to fights among boat owners as fish get spoiled. We humbly request the government and the fisheries department to at least carry out temporary repairs and expansion to provide much-needed relief.”
The fishermen now await action from the authorities, hoping that the long-standing issue of Vasco’s fishing jetty will finally be addressed.
