Inspection finds hygiene lapses, mosquito breeding spots and lack of basic facilities at complex
A DECADE OF DECAY: Within just 10 years of its inauguration in January 2014, the Mapusa fish market building has fallen into a sorry state, with cracks, open drains and filthy surroundings reflecting poor upkeep by the municipal council.
MAPUSA
In another setback for the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC), a recent inspection of the Mapusa fish market has revealed serious structural and hygiene deficiencies, prompting authorities to recommend an urgent overhaul of the market premises.
The inspection was led by the Deputy Collector of Mapusa and organised by the Health Officer of the Urban Health Centre (UHC), Mapusa, with civic watchdog GOACAN also participating.
Officials found that the building, which houses three different markets, lacks even basic amenities such as toilets, running water and accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwDs).
According to officials, there is no in-house toilet for vendors, and no overhead water tank to provide running water.
The existing water storage barrels on the first and second floors were identified as potential mosquito-breeding sites, raising public health concerns.
The team also noted piles of construction debris left behind by a contractor engaged to install a lift, broken furniture and plastic bins dumped inside the premises and missing duct covers that have exposed filth and waste. “The entire market surroundings were found to be dirty and unhygienic,” said a source present during the inspection.
Accessibility issues also stood out, with officials observing that the market was not equipped for persons with disabilities, lacking ramps or lifts for ease of movement.
Following the inspection, several recommendations were made, including:
- A joint inspection by the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) and Directorate of Health Services (DHS) to assess necessary repairs.
- Fortnightly reviews by the UHC to ensure debris and garbage are cleared by MMC.
- Immediate provision of running water for vendors’ use.
- Repairs of lights and fans, and a deep cleaning drive by a qualified agency to remove paan stains, spit marks and accumulated dust.
- Removal of all waste materials and unrequired items from the ground, first and second floors.
Speaking to the media, Roland Martins, Convenor of GOACAN, said the findings reflect years of neglect by the civic body.
Officials confirmed that a follow-up meeting will be scheduled soon to decide on repair timelines and assign responsibilities for the recommended works.
