the goan I network
VASCO
Reacting to allegations by Kharewado locals about Mormugao Municipal Council colluding with Mormugao Port Trust in the laying of survey demarcation poles at Kharewado, MMC Councillor Lavina D’Souza said she was unaware of the incident.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, D’Souza said the 194 houses at Kharewado belonged to traditional fishermen living there for over 70 years. “Neither MPT nor survey department or MMC informed me that MPT was laying survey demarcation poles in Kharewado.”
“It was shocking that MPT was laying survey poles at Kharewado and MMC supervisors were present. Despite being ward councillor, I had no information about this. My family business is fishing and as such, I know that these houses have been here for ages,” said D’Souza, adding, “The business of fishermen is next to the sea, they cannot be shifted to the hills because of development.”
Insisting that she would stand by the people protesting against the laying of survey poles at Kharewado, D’Souza said though she would out of town, she should have been informed about the incident.
“I came to know only after I returned. I have been a ward Councillor here since the last 14 years and I want to say that no matter what, I will not allow any demolition of these houses in Kharewado,” said D’Souza.
No revenue received from MPT: Mormugao councillor
VASCO: Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Councillor Saifullah Khan on Saturday came down heavily on Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), claiming that the council had received no revenue from the MPT.
Khan said he had insisted that MPT must consider the welfare of the port town, during a recent meeting with MPT Chairman Dr E Ramesh Kumar.
“The MPT Hospital in Baina had been shifted to Sada, forcing people from Baina and Vasco to move to Chicalim Cottage Hospital in case of emergency and subsequently to Goa Medical College.”
“We had demanded that MPT hospital be open to local citizens and that, MPT should get green and alternative clean cargo. If they want to bring in coal, they can get it in containers,” said Khan.
Khan claimed that the MPT earlier had around 7,000 locals employed, but the number had reduced to around 1,500 now.
“The MPT is just leasing out its berths to private players, thereby killing the scope of government jobs. A lot of trucks carrying MPT cargo is harming our youth.”
“MPT is laying survey poles and is trying to put a retaining wall in Kharewado without informing the MMC. The MPT should ensure that there is some revenue generated for MMC from companies operating in the port. This revenue can then be subsequently used for development projects and welfare of citizens,” said Khan.
