Margao: A joint inspection of the Cutbona fishing jetty, conducted by the primary health centre, Balli, at the request of Goacan and the Velim Civic and Consumer Forum, flagged serious health and hygiene deficiencies ahead of the new fishing season.Goacan coordinator Roland Martins said the toilet facility at the newly inaugurated jetty — where services were agreed to be offered free of charge — was found locked due to water shortage.“Without proper water facility, it will put the entire fishing operation in great difficulty and the condition in which the workers will have to work will be in jeopardy,” Martins said, urging the fisheries department to comprehensively review water requirements.The inspection team found welding and tank fabrication work being carried out inside mending sheds, which it flagged as a safety hazard as it endangered workers. Sheds constructed under a CSR project were found abandoned and unlit. The jetty was also not being washed regularly and waste collection was irregular. With no canteen or store on the premises, workers are forced to depend on illegal shops for basic necessities. Goacan recommended a subsidised canteen and a small store be set up at the jetty.On the health front, it recommended a weekly OPD at the fisheries complex for workers, along with a heatwave advisory given current conditions.Martins urged the fisheries department to draw up a roadmap before the season begins.
