MARGAO
Margao’s New Market, the commercial capital’s business hub has come alive on the eve of Christmas and New Year festivities.
Hit by the Covid-19 pandemic for two years, smiles have returned on the faces of the traders as Salcete braces up to celebrate Christmas two days from now.
Compared to the last two years, marred by coronavirus, the hustle and bustle has returned to the Margao Municipality owned New Market, which plays host to over 400 stalls. Though business has not been the same for the traders, they confess that at least they could do business on a moderate note this year compared to the last two years.
A trader, Anthony Fernandes, who is dealing with bakery items, including Bebinca and other Christmas sweets, said business has picked up this year compared to last two years. “I can say that we have done good business this year compared to last year,” Anthony said.
President of the Margao New Market Traders Association, Vinod Shirodkar echoed similar sentiments, but hastened to add that the traders would have done much more had not the Margao Municipal Council extended the Old Market feast fair by a week. He also lamented that the Margao Municipal Council also failed to crack a whip against illegal hawkers and vendors doing brisk business on the footpaths and pavements outside the market.
“Business has been good this season compared to the last two years. Though business has not peaked to the pre-Covid days, we have been able to do business, which will help the traders to eke a living and recover the cost,” he said.
Vinod, however, slammed at the authorities, including the Margao Municipal Council for permitting the Old Market feast fair for 12 days this year.
