Goemkapronn desk
Panaji: The Cumbharjua Congress Block Committee on Sunday held a protest at Old Goa to oppose the government decision to levy ferry fees on two-wheelers and hike the fees for four-wheelers.
Those present were State Congress President Amit Parkar, Opposition Leader Yuri Alemao, Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira, block members, locals and others.
Patkar said that the government wants to privatise the ferry service.
“The government wants to purchase 2 ro-ro ferries at a cost of Rs 10 crore each, and on other hand they have introduced these fees for people. The government wants to privatise the ferry service. The service was free as there was no road link to places like Divar. People are paying taxes. This is a backdoor entry for corruption. Is this a Diwali gift for the people?” he said.
Alemao said, “The BJP government is taking every opportunity to indulge in corruption. The people are burdened with issues like the rise in fuel prices. We will raise these issues in the assembly. The government should withdraw the notification for the ferry fees, or else there will be a law and order situation,” he said.
Ferreira said, “When the Govt does not provide a bridge, it should provide free ferry. At Naroa and Vanxim, and those who come from Bicholim, they will have to take 2 ferries. So think of the cruelty on the people. They will be hit immensely,” he said. He also suggested that the Government should charge the tourists using the “rent-a-bike” which will bring revenue and spare the islanders.
Sarpanch Sao Mathias Supriya Tari said, “I am not representing any party, but only the people of our Divar island. Why is the government doing this? We have no road link. People of Vanxim require 2 ferries. The government should continue with the previous fee structure for 4-wheelers. We will not pay the fees,” he said.
