Goemkarponn desk
VALPOI: IN what could be termed as a sheer waste of public money, the
fruit, vegetable and flower market in the Valpoi municipal area, built at the cost of crores of rupees, lies in a pathetic condition.
This project worth crores of rupees seems to have become a white elephant. The traders selling fruits, flowers, and vegetables have started their business on footpaths in various municipal areas.
Similarly, unauthorized fruit vendors have mushroomed in many places in the municipal area. The local vendors say the situation has arisen as the Municipality has failed to act.
It is learned that the project GSUDA at the cost of crores of rupees in the Valpoi municipal area to bring all vendors under one roof.
Even after 10 years of completion, the project does not seem to have paid off well. as teh Municipality has failed to make its judicious use.
The vendors started business there for a few days. However, since the project is away from the central market, the vendors felt they were losing business.
This situation arose due to proper planning by the Municipality.
Except for only two-three vendors, the rest of the market is empty. The Municipality has been paying bills of electricity and water unnecessarily. Meanwhile, some vendors/ traders said that the municipal council is repeatedly harassing them while expressing their reactions.
“It’s difficult to get business in this market, so we have shifted to wherever we can get customers. Our livelihood depends on day to ay sales,” said a fruit vendor.
Flower and fruit vendors say that if the Municipality can control the illegal businesses on the roadside and other parts, this market can become profitable.
“The VMC lacks the will to control illegalities,” said a vendor, refusing to be named.
