MAPUSA
Complaints have surged against the behaviour of the pay-parking contractor and his staff at the Mapusa municipal market, leaving both visitors and merchants distressed.
Instances of arrogance, verbal abuse, and intimidation have marred the atmosphere, prompting the Mapusa Merchants’ Association (MMA) to intervene. The MMA has lodged a formal complaint with the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) citing the high-handedness of the parking contractor and his staff.
According to Shripad Raut, President of MMA, the contractor's disregard for scheduled gate timings has caused confusion and inconvenience for market-goers and merchants alike. “The behaviour exhibited by the parking contractor towards the general public is unacceptable. Negligence in gate timings disrupts market operations and reflects poorly on management,” remarked Raut.
The merchants also highlighted the chaotic parking of two-wheelers near the entrance, obstructing customer movement.
Secretary of MMA, Siddesh Raut expressed concerns over reported instances of overcharging, stating, "Visitors have been subjected to exorbitant fees, tarnishing the market's reputation."
The merchants voiced their distress, emphasising the detrimental impact of the contractor's behaviour on the market community. The MMA urged the civic body to address these grievances promptly, advocating for more professional and responsible conduct from the parking contractor and his team.
The Mapusa municipal market is grappling with discontent as visitors and merchants unite against the unruly conduct of the parking contractor and his staff. With complaints ranging from arrogance to overcharging, the merchants seek swift intervention from the civic body to rectify the situation and restore harmony within the market premises.
Corruption claims over parking fees emerge
Levelling serious allegations against the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) regarding the implementation of pay parking in the market area, Pandurang Sawant, an executive member of the Mapusa Merchants’ Association contended that the initiative, ostensibly aimed at streamlining parking and ensuring order, has turned into a purported money-making scheme.
According to Sawant, the MMC has significantly increased parking fees and introduced night parking, which he deems a safety hazard rather than a convenience.
He alleges that the minimum parking tender is set unreasonably high, providing ample opportunity for the parking contractor to exploit unsuspecting individuals, particularly tourists who may not be familiar with prevailing rates.
Moreover, he accuses the parking contractor of turning a blind eye to vehicles obstructing gates and entrances, as well as allowing double and triple parking, leading to chaotic conditions in parking areas. He further implicates local councillors and the MLA, claiming they are aware of the situation but choose to ignore it for undisclosed reasons.
These allegations raise serious concerns about the transparency and fairness of parking management in the Mapusa market, prompting calls for an investigation into the matter.
The MMC and relevant authorities are yet to respond to these accusations.
