Work to construct additional wharfs and four finger jetties at a cost of Rs. 75 crore began at the Kasimedu fishing harbour on Thursday. Sources in the fisheries department said that the additional facilities will allow safe anchorage for another 630 boats.
The works, which includes formation of internal roads and construction of two net-mending sheds and toilets and provision of drinking water, are likely to be completed in two years’ time. Around 300 m of wharf will be created along the northern breakwater. The existing wharf will get two finger jetties, the extension will get one and another will come on the Nagoorar Thottam side. A diaphragm-type wharf of 290 m length will come up on the Nagoorar Thottam side, officials explained. On Thursday, a bhumi puja was held at the site.
Apart from the new constructions, which were announced by the Chief Minister in the Assembly, the existing wharf, which was repaired recently, is being lengthened by another 50 m. The repair works at a cost of Rs. 17 crore on 500 m of wharf are nearing completion.
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Fishermen said that every day, around 30,000 persons visit the harbour to purchase around 100 tonnes of fish but there were no facilities including toilets and drinking water.
“We do not even have garbage bins. Most of the fish that lands here is sent to Kerala since we are unable to export from here,” said a fisherman.