MAPUSA
Traders from Mapusa market have opposed the iron gate erected on both sides of Shakuntala’s statue in the Mapusa market, claiming the gate would hinder the smooth movement of goods and would also affect their business.
The traders led by members of the Mapusa Traders Association (MTA) called on Deputy Speaker Joshua D’Souza at a function in the market on Saturday.
Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Priya Mishal, Vice Chairperson Viraj Phadke and Chairman of Market Committee councillor Ashirvad Khorjuvekar were present on the occasion.
MTA President Shripad Sawant, Secretary Siddesh Raut, Pandurang Sawant, Girish Keni, Vaibhav, Raul, Yogesh Vazarkar, Amey Pokle and other members of association placed their problems before the Mapusa MLA.
Claiming that the MMC has erected this gate on account of a pay-parking contract, the traders complained that this would hinder the smooth movement of vehicles coming with goods. They stated that shops open at 9 am and the gate will be closed at that time. They insisted that it would not be possible to bring a large quantity of goods in their shops before 9 am.
They pointed out that closing the gate would create problems for persons with disabilities and the MMC should have taken the Mapusa traders into confidence in this regard.
Deputy Speaker Joshua D’Souza said it is not possible to keep this gate open the entire day. He pointed out that this was not not only a matter for the traders and shopkeepers, but also for all residents of Mapusa. He assured the traders that the time to close the gate would be decided from everyone’s point of view.
Siddesh Raut said traders had suggested the idea of pay-parking in the market for the convenience of the people.
“But now, the contractor has closed the entrance itself. The MMC is only focusing on the revenue aspect. The market tender which was given for Rs 20 lakh earlier has now been awarded for Rs 50 lakh. So to recover this money, the contractor will have to collect additional money from the people,” said Raut, while accusing the MMC of failing to provide facilities in the market.
