T’puram: Chief minister V D Satheesan on Friday said the state govt would address all issues affecting the fishing community and introduce better academic facilities for the children of fisherfolk.Speaking after laying the foundation stone of the new fishing harbour at Vizhinjam, the CM said the govt was committed to supporting the fishing community and ensuring that its concerns were addressed.He said the govt would introduce new academic facilities to improve educational opportunities for the children of fishermen. The initiatives were aimed at supporting the community and improving their access to education and other essential services.The ceremony also marked the launch of a modernisation project for the existing fishing harbour and a project to extend the length of its breakwater. A total of Rs 510 crore has been earmarked for the various projects, including Rs 260 crore for the new fishing harbour.The new harbour is part of the development initiatives announced in connection with the Vizhinjam International Seaport project. The project aims to provide improved infrastructure for fishing vessels and better facilities for fishermen engaged in fishing and related activities.As part of the project, a smaller breakwater measuring around 135 metres will be constructed alongside the main breakwater of the international port.The proposed harbour will have a dedicated wharf for berthing fishing boats, modern lockers for storing fishing nets and equipment, and an office complex. It will also include facilities for fish processing and storage, with refrigeration systems to help preserve the catch.Other planned infrastructure includes a toilet complex, a wide access road connecting the harbour to the main road network, a drinking water supply system and a solar power plant.
