'Will push for nationalization of inland waterways'

MARGAO: Stating that he will push for the nationalization of some of Goa's inland waterways, Warren Alemao, nephew of PWD minister and Navelim MLA Churchill Alemao, says he will contest elections to the Goa Barge Owners Association ( GBOA).

Speaking to mediapersons here on Saturday, Alemao said that his panel will contest the June 29 elections, as many issues affecting the barge industry needs to be resolved.

"We wish to address the grievances of barge owners and workers, if elected," Alemao said.

"We want to set up a modern office and route all contracts for transportation of barges through GBOA. We will also push for 24-hour marine police patrolling, and make a provision in cases of emergencies, if barge crew members need medical attention," he added.

Other panel candidates include Raymond de Sa, Jerson Braganza, Siddharth Malik, Johann Fernandes, Piolinho Baretto, Ramkrishna Deshprabhu, and Derek Vales. The nomination of Surendra Shirodkar and Mayur Parsekar have been rejected.


The candidates told mediapersons that some of Goa's inland waterways should be declared as national waterways, as the state does not have adequate resources to maintain them. Currently the Mandovi, Zuari and Cumbharjua canal - covering 150 kilometres of waterways - is used for transportation of iron ore.

"If there is a collision between barges, there will be a massive loss in lives and business. Fact is that, there is no security for crew or barges "said de Sa.

Malik, meanwhile, claimed that there is an urgent need to prevent the implementation of an order by the Directorate General of Shipping. "This order forces barge owners to register with the mercantile marine department after bearing additional fees. It also extends the inline vessel limit to the port limit," he said.