MARGAO
Post the cholera outbreak, the authorities have significantly improved the sanitation amenities at the Cutbona fishing jetty.
Around 30 portable toilets, besides bath cubicles, have come up at the jetty. The Cutbona Boat Owners Federation has agreed to bear the cost of the toilets and their maintenance amounting to Rs 10 lakh per month.
However, concerns remain regarding the fish landing centre at Mobor in Cavelosim village, where the cholera outbreak resulted in the death of a migrant worker. Questions have been raised about whether the District Collector, the Fisheries Department, or the local village panchayat are taking adequate steps to enhance sanitation facilities for boat operators in that area.
Adding to the urgency, a recent report from the Chinchinim Primary Health Centre indicated the presence of E. coli in the drinking water supply at the fish landing centre. Sources have noted that, unlike at Cutbona, district authorities have not significantly increased their presence at the Mobor fishing jetty.
The Cavelosism Panchayat had issued notices to the two fisheries operating at Mobor. This was followed up by a special gram sabha held last Sunday, wherein villagers expressed their concern over the cholera outbreak in the tourist village.
When contacted, Cavelosism Sarpanch Dixon Vaz said the Panchayat will take a review of the situation at Mobor. "The boat operators had assured to improve the sanitation amenities for the workers. We will take a review," he said.
Dixon said he would discuss with the Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas on the situation before issuing further directions to the boat operators.
