Gangolli jetty slabs collapse; fishermen worried

The collapse of concrete slabs at Gangolli fisheries jetty has created panic among the fishermen.

The slabs at a few places in the jetty are awaiting a facelift after developing cracks.

The jetty was constructed at a cost of Rs 8.32 crore about 10 years ago. According to fishermen, the slabs collapsed recently.

As it was a holiday for fishermen, no fatalities were reported. The place where the slabs collapsed is normally frequented by fisherwomen and labourers.

The slabs which had collapsed on one portion of the jetty a year ago have not been repaired so far. The Fisheries minister and senior officials had visited and inspected the collapsed slabs a year ago. However, no action has been taken to repair it.

Now, the collapse of slabs on another side of the jetty has made the fishermen worried. The jetty is 200 metres long. There are a few more concrete slabs that are facing the threat of collapse. If all the slabs collapse, then the jetty will be of no use, said fishermen.

A fishermen leader said that the slabs collapsed due to the poor quality of work. The slabs were not fixed properly. Hence, there are chances of all the slabs collapsing.

Byndoor MLA B M Sukumar Shetty said, “The issue has been brought to the notice of Ports Department. Officials have been directed to repair it at the earliest. Owing to the poor quality of work, the concrete slabs have collapsed. I am in constant touch with the Ports Minister and officials with regard to Gangolli Port. The officials and the government will be pressured to take up the pending works.”

Fisheries Department Assistant Director Anjanadevi said, “After inspecting the spot, a report has been submitted to Ports Department Joint Director in Malpe.’