Dashing the hopes of hundreds of local fishers, development work at the Vellayil fish landing centre has been suspended again owing to fund shortage and delay in getting clearance for the next phase of work. Though the Harbour Engineering Department, over the last four years, has spent around ₹33 crore on the harbour, sources said at least ₹30 crore more would be required to complete the project.
Even as the construction of breakwaters, auction hall, loading area, and wharf was completed recently, it will be of no use to fishers unless the remaining work, including construction of storage buildings, electrification, parking space, and compound wall and dredging in surveyed areas, is done.
Officials said financial support from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) would be crucial in resuming work. Meanwhile, leaders of fishermen’s organisations said the Vellayil project had been sanctioned by the government with the promise that facilities for docking around 250 medium to large boats would be provided.
Promises unkept
The projected number of direct jobs for local fishers then was around 2,500 with a regular handling of around 9,000 tonnes of fish, but the promises have remained on paper even after fours years, they said. “The Puthiyappa harbour is quite crowded now with the ever increasing number of fishing boats and workers. Also, the limited auction facilities there double the crisis for local buyers,” said Diljith, a fisherman from the Vellayil coastal area. He added that the pending dredging work was proving to be the biggest hurdle in docking boats.
Fisheries Department sources said people’s representatives had made efforts to secure the additional development fund from KIIFB. Getting aid from the Centre will be difficult as it is not considering any project with a budget above ₹25 crore, they added. The foundation stone for the project was laid in 2013 by then Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. The government had then promised to make the harbour fully functional by 2017. However, the project had hit roadblocks several times owing to delayed floating of tenders, work execution, and unfavourable weather conditions.
