Bad roads, filth greet shoppers entering biggest wholesale market
WHERE’S THE ROAD? The main access road to the market-yard is in pitiable condition inconveniencing the motorists and pedestrians alike.
Photo Credits: Agnelo Pereira
MAPUSA
With the access roads in pitiable condition and the accumulated waste raising a stink, Mapusa market sub-yard which is touted to be one of the biggest wholesale markets in the State is crying for attention.
More than 100 traders carry out business in the market sub-yard which is the wholesale market for fruits and vegetables in Mapusa.
Since it is adjacent to the Mapsua municipal market and next to the bus-stand, people find it convenient to shop in the sub-yard.
POOR ACCESS ROAD
The first impression leaves a bitter taste in the mouth as broken and uneven access road welcomes those who enter the market sub-yard. While the original access road from the Mapusa bus-stand is in complete mess, the second access road from the new bus-stand is equally in bad shape.
Secondly, moving around the lanes inside the yard has become quite a task as most roads have either worn out or developed large potholes. In the monsoon the condition of the lanes/roads becomes even worse.
Further, irregular parking in the narrow lanes by traders and customers alike makes it difficult for people to move around the sub-yard.
GARBAGE MESS
The messy and unhygienic condition inside the sub-yard is palpable as mounds of waste are seen dumped all around.
The scattered waste coupled with the stink leaves everyone entering the yard in a complete daze. Since a large amount of veggies and fruits enter into the yard every day, huge amount of green waste accumulates almost on a daily basis.
With no proper place demarcated for garbage disposal, many of the traders dump the waste in front of their shops waiting for the agency to pick it up.
CRUMBLING STRUCTURE
Constructed more than three decades ago and having been exposed to the vagaries of nature, several shops in the yard have developed cracks even as chunks of cement from the ceiling are falling off, endangering the lives of the traders and customers alike.
“Cement pieces have been falling off from the ceiling of my shop. I have complained to the authorities several times but to no avail,” said a trader.
POOR FACILITIES
The sprawling market yard with more than 100 traders and large number of people visiting the place on a daily basis has only one toilet facility.
With the toilet stationed at one end of the yard, many traders prefer to use open space to answer nature’s call.
The traders also complained that there was no proper PWD water facility in the yard. Improper street lighting was also an issue.
“I have been doing business in this yard for the last 25 years but nothing has improved here,” a fruit seller said.
Another trader informed that several complaints have been made to the Goa State Agricultural Marketing Board but there has been no relief so far.
