Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: In a major step towards improving sanitation facilities and addressing a long-pending demand of local traders, Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for a seven-seater Sulabh Shauchalaya behind the Vasco vegetable market.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony was held in the presence of Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Girish Borker, ward councillor Shami Salkar, market shopkeepers, and several senior citizens who had been associated with the market for decades.
Speaking at the function, Salkar said that public toilets are vital not only for maintaining hygiene but also for ensuring dignity and convenience for vendors and visitors.
“This was one of the biggest and longest-pending demands ever since my time as a municipal councillor,” said Salkar. “The demand of the shopkeepers was completely justified because this is one of the biggest markets in Vasco, with hundreds of people visiting every day. A toilet facility is one of the most basic and important aspects of a marketplace, but unfortunately, this could not be fulfilled earlier.”
Salkar said that after becoming an MLA, he made it a priority to deliver on this long-standing promise.
“After I became MLA, I decided to take up the issue and build a state-of-the-art, seven-seater toilet facility for the benefit of shopkeepers, vendors, and visitors, at a cost of ₹50 lakh,” he said. “This facility will not only improve hygiene but also bring great relief to those working here. Earlier, people were forced to urinate or defecate in the open due to lack of a toilet. Today, their long-cherished dream has finally come true.”
He added that the toilet complex will include separate sections for men, women, and the differently abled, with modern features such as hand dryers, bathing facilities, a hand wash basin, and even a music system.
“I am especially happy that this foundation is being laid in the presence of senior citizens who had started this market so many years ago. Their dreams and my commitment have both been fulfilled today,” said Salkar. “I thank Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant for immediately sanctioning this project for the benefit of the people.”
Market shopkeeper Narendra Bhutki, who has been part of the Vasco market since its early years, said that traders had been waiting for over five decades for such a facility.
“It’s been 53 years since this market was established. Earlier, we were based near Syndicate Bank before shifting here in 1972,” said Bhutki. “I have been here for five decades, and we made several requests to the MMC for a toilet facility, but it never materialised. Finally, with the help of MLA Krishna Salkar, this long-pending demand is being met. We are extremely grateful to him and to MMC Chairperson Girish Borker for their cooperation. This is truly a big gift for all of us.”
MMC Chairperson Girish Borker recalled that vendors had personally approached him regarding the issue soon after he took charge.
“As the MMC Chairperson, I immediately met Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar and explained the situation to him,” said Borker. “He took up the matter with the government and got the project sanctioned within four months. Today, after almost 50 years since the establishment of this market, we have finally laid the foundation for a much-needed toilet facility.”
The project aims to enhance cleanliness and hygiene standards in the Vasco market area while providing much-needed convenience for hundreds of daily visitors.
