the goan I network
MAPUSA
Open and blocked roadside drains, abandoned vehicles and filthy condition of the market sub-yard in Mapusa is turning out to be a cause of concern for health officials to keep a check on the mosquito breeding sites.
“We are facing issues like open and choked gutters besides disputes over septic tanks. The market sub-yard needs a complete clean up as there are several areas which are potential breeding sites for mosquitoes,” said Dr Cheryl D’Souza, Health Officer of Mapusa Urban Health Centre.
The health officer raised the concern during the meeting of the Bardez block committee for vector borne diseases under the chairmanship of Deputy Collector Akshay Potekar.
Health and sanitary officers attached to all the health centres in Bardez and representatives of PWD (water supply), electricity department, Mapusa Merchants’ Association were present.
A representative of scrap yard dealers and a member of Goacan NGO were also present on the occasion.
Speaking further, the Mapusa health officer informed that in case of abandoned vehicles, efforts were made to remove them by writing to authorities concerned.
“But despite our best efforts some of the vehicles continue to rust along the roadside. Such vehicles become perfect sites for mosquitoes to breed during the rains,” Dr D’Souza said.
On the issue of the market sub-yard, it was suggested that a letter be made to the concerned officials of the yard requesting them to keep unused shops open for some days so that preemptive anti-breeding measures can be undertaken in those shops.
The health officials attached to the health centres in Bardez presented statistical data of number of vector-borne cases detected, fines imposed, health cards issued and number of construction activities taking place in their respective areas.
The officials also listed the measures taken by the health centre to tackle vector borne diseases in their jurisdictions.
At the meeting it was suggested to activate the panchayat committees like the garbage committee and the health sanitation and nutrition committee to undertake awareness drives against vector borne diseases.
It was also suggested that health officials need to document data of scrap yards within their jurisdiction with photographs and crucial details like locations and survey numbers so that concerned authorities can take appropriate action.
