Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: The Director of Fisheries, Yashaswini B., visited the Vasco fishing jetty at Khariawada on Thursday following persistent demands from the Goa Fishing Boat Owners’ Association for its repair and expansion.
Speaking during the inspection, Yashaswini B. stated, “Since I have taken over charge, boat owners here have been requesting an inspection. I have come to see firsthand the struggles faced by the fishermen. For any development, a proposal needs to be submitted and forwarded to the Union ministry. We will assess what can be done from our side.”
Boat owner and politician Jose Philip D’Souza expressed his frustration over the delay in repairs, highlighting that while the government has been investing in the expansion of Malim, Betul, and Cortalim jetties, Vasco continues to be neglected. “If the work is delayed by another year, we will suffer heavy losses,” he warned, urging the new Director to expedite the process.
Another boat owner shared concerns about the worsening conditions at sea and the inadequate facilities at the jetty. “We don’t even have a toilet. The area is too small, and only 10-12 boats can dock at a time, leading to fights among boat owners as fish gets spoiled. We humbly request the government and the fisheries department to at least carry out temporary repairs and expansion to provide much-needed relief.”
The fishermen now await action from the authorities, hoping that the long-standing issue of Vasco’s fishing jetty will finally be addressed.
