CANACONA
After being damaged and abandoned for nearly two years, the traditional boat jetty at Maxem-Loliem was finally renovated.
The jetty for traditional boats had been the lifeline for people of Galgibaga and Maxem for ages and had been rebuilt some years ago. However, the jetty got damaged during the construction of the Galgibaga-Maxem bridge as part of the Manohar Parrikar Canacona Bypass and was abandoned for nearly two years.
During this period, the ferry service and the traditional boat service could not be used between Galgibaga and Maxem, prompting locals to use a footbridge built by the contractor for the workers.
The footbridge was, however, dismantled soon after completion and inauguration of bridge and bypass section in November 2019.
Unhappy about the condition of the damaged jetty, locals took up the matter with Deputy Speaker and Canacona MLA Isidore Fernandes.
Fernandes convened several meetings with the contractor and finally got the damaged jetty renovated with the PWD spending around Rs 3 lakh for removation work.
During a visit to Loliem-Polem village, Fernandes inspected the renovated jetty in the presence of Sarpanch Sachin Naik, ex-sarpanch and sitting panch Nishant Prabhudesai and ex-sarpanch Ajay Lolienkar.
Fernandes promised more funds to beautify the area with benches, shades and illumination for the benefit of locals.
“Beautification is also being planned in a phased manned on the Galgibaga side depending on the flow of funds,” said Fernandes.
Prabhudesai thanked the MLA for restoring the traditional jetty to its former glory.
“People of Galgibaga and Maxem can now use this renovated jetty as they share a close bond with each other. While Galgibaga has a church, school and tourism, Maxem has a temple, school, doctors, market and other facilities,” said Prabhudesai.
Fernandes and the panchayat team also visited the Polem border check post, where a mega beautification project is being planned, and the Carai area, where a gutter is being widened.
