VASCO
He was speaking to reporters on Saturday after officiating at a function to mark the commencement of opening of Aguada sand bars and opening of navigational channel of Panjim port. Others present at the function included Goa Barge Owners Association (GBOA) President Raymond De Sa, GBOA Treasurer Rahul Naik, Captain of Ports James Braganza and others.
This is an annual function organised by the GBOA on September 16 and a pooja organised by Rahul Naik and a prayer service conducted by a priest were conducted to mark the event.
"I have just taken over charge as minister of CoP and I will extend all my support to this industry and see what best our government can do to help them," assured Salgaonkar.
Raymond Dsa said the chief minister had requested GBOA members to repair their barges and that issue of barge taxes would be resolved.
"The chief minister also assured to apply tax on a pro rata basis, to save us for incurring extra expenses on taxes for 2017. We have requested the chief minister to apply the pro rata tax scheme from 2012 to 2016," informed De Sa.
He added that the grounded casino ship ‘MV Lucky Seven' has been an obstacle in the channel and added that the presence of several feeder boats to the offshore casino boats have also hampered barge movement along the Mandovi river.
Responding to grievances of the barge owners, CoP James Braganza informed them that Lucky Seven boat has to leave Goa by September 27 and said it may go to Jaigarh for repairs or dry docking.
Asked if it would come back to Goa, Capt Braganza said it was up to the owners to decide and refrained from commenting further on the stricken ‘MV Lucky Seven'.
