MAPUSA
The Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) has decided to replace the haphazardly arranged food stalls in the Alankar Theatre area with a modern and uniform food court equipped with all necessary amenities.
A joint meeting has finalised the decision to launch this new food court before October. On Friday, a joint meeting was held at the Mapusa Municipal Council office, which was chaired by Deputy Speaker and Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza and attended by Municipal Administrator Fiona Cardozo, representatives from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), and
stall owners.
The meeting was convened in response to the raids being conducted by the Food and Drugs Administration on street food stalls in the Alankar Theatre area. Discussions to transform the look, nature, layout and regulations of stalls in the area were taken during this meeting. While the MMC will provide modern infrastructure in the area, the entire site would be cemented with a well-equipped platform to strengthen
the base.
In addition, there will be a complete ban on cutting raw chicken in the main area and only processed or ready-to-cook food and ingredients will be permitted. Stall owners will be mandated to possess necessary licences, while those with pending applications would be required to complete the process and submit documents to the FDA
immediately.
According to sources, all stall owners and vendors were positive towards the food court project and acknowledged that once the area becomes clean and attractive, customer footfalls would increase, leading to better
business.
MMC Administrator Fiona Cardozo said this would be a mutually beneficial decision for all stakeholders concerned.
Deputy Speaker Joshua D’Souza said the primary objective of this modern food court is to provide residents and tourists in Mapusa with wholesome, clean, and high-quality
food.
He expressed confidence that this planned transformation of the Alankar area would significantly enhance the city’s aesthetics and contribute to safeguarding the health of consumers.
