Vendors complain of filth, foul odours and neglect inside building
NEGLECTED CORNERS: Unused material dumped in the corners of the Mapusa Fish Market building has turned parts of the market into a damp, filthy yard, leaving the surrounding area shabby and neglected.
MAPUSA
Mapusa fish market has once again come under scrutiny over deteriorating sanitary conditions, with consumers and vendors complaining of filth, foul odours and neglect inside the market building.
The market, one of North Goa’s busiest commercial hubs, is reportedly plagued by dirty walls, stagnant sewage water, stained staircases, broken bottles and heaps of unused junk dumped in corners, creating what shoppers describe as an unbearable environment.
Regular visitors to the market say the unhygienic conditions have worsened over time and are posing serious risks to public health, particularly with the onset of the monsoon season approaching.
“I can’t even walk without stepping on waste, and the smell is unbearable,” said Anthony D’Souza, one shopper visiting the market on Thursday.
Another consumer remarked, “It is shocking that such a busy public market is allowed to remain in this condition despite repeated complaints.”
Vendors operating from the market have also expressed frustration, stating that poor maintenance and lack of proper sanitation are affecting both business and working conditions.
Against this backdrop, consumer organisation GOACAN has written to the Director of Health Services seeking urgent intervention into the worsening hygiene and sanitation issues at the market complex.
GOACAN coordinator Roland Martins said the organisation continues to receive complaints from consumers regarding the “unhygienic and neglected” state of the building.
In the complaint submitted to the health department, Martins stated that despite earlier concerns being raised, there has been little improvement in the day-to-day cleanliness and upkeep of the market premises.
“We once again reiterate that while it is the responsibility of the Mapusa Municipal Council to maintain cleanliness at these markets, we have found that there is still no Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in place by which cleanliness standards can be examined and hygiene audits undertaken,” Martins stated.
GOACAN has urged the health department to conduct a joint inspection of the building to assess whether the necessary infrastructure and sanitation facilities required to operate the fish, chicken and mutton markets are in place.
The organisation has further sought an examination of whether any effective daily cleaning system exists, identification of violations under the Goa Public Health Act 1985 and Rules 1987, and clarification on the role of the Sanitary Inspector attached to the Urban Health Centre in Mapusa in monitoring hygiene conditions.
GOACAN has also called upon authorities to issue specific directions to the Mapusa Municipal Council on measures required to address the sanitation crisis in the market building.
“With the monsoon around the corner, immediate action is necessary to protect the health and well-being of both vendors and consumers using these markets,” the organisation said in its letter.
