the goan I network
VASCO
Two persons are reported to have died from suspected dengue deaths in Vasco city and while locals and politicians have demanded an urgent need to tackle the spread of the disease, the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) has found itself ill-equipped to address the situation.
Believe it or not, the MMC has only one functional fogging machine to fumigate the entire port town, which comprises 25 wards with about one lakh population.
According to a source, the MMC had two fogging machines, but one has been out of order.
“As a result, the MMC now has to rely on only one fogging machine for all 25 wards. Earlier, the Directorate of Municipal Administration would supply medicines for fogging and spraying, but now we are unsure if any request has been put up,” said the source.
The source also added that insufficient stock of medicine has left the MMC to depend on the Vasco UHC.
“The MMC Chief Officer must execute his administrative powers and take in his hands the distribution of labourers and fogging machines to ensure fumigation is carried out in all wards,” said the source.
MMC will get four more fogging machines: Chief Officer
VASCO: Admitting that the Mormugao Municipal Council has only one functional fogging machine, MMC Chief Officer Gaurish Shankhwalkar has said the council will get four more machines to cover the entire port town.
“The MMC has two fogging machines, but one machine has been sent for repairs, leaving us with one fogging machine.”
“We have had a meeting with the health officer of Vasco Urban Health Centre (UHC) and have decided to fumigate all 25 wards in the municipality.”
“Besides the MMC fogging machine, the Vasco UHC has two fogging machines and Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida’s office has assured to give us two fogging machines.”
“We will use these five working fogging machines for fumigation of all wards. The UHC has three staff and we will allot our staff as well. We will start with Voddant ward,” said Shankhwalkar.
Commenting on the shortage of medicines, the MMC chief officer said the council has also arranged the necessary medicines.
“We also have the required fuel needed to operate the fogging machines. We have done all necessary arrangements to carry out fumigation in all 25 wards” said Shankhwalkar.
