Rain halts shack construction, but spirits remain high in Goa

Unexpected heavy showers delayed work on most shacks with the coast now expected to be decked by October 2 – three days before the first charter from Russia lands on October 5, 2024.

Work on most shacks from Cavelossim in South Goa to Morjim in the North has stopped because of a change in the tide line caused due to incessant rainfall in the last two days.

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“The water came right up to the spot where I was to put up the poles to erect my shack and I had to stop. The mud where my shack is to come up has softened and it will need time to dry. But if the rain subsides, I expect to be up and running on October 2,” Jack Rodrigues from Cavelossim said.

“I have managed to get the foundation in place but am hesitant to place the cover on top because of the weather. The winds have been strong in the last two days and I have decided to stall work for a few more days. The weather forecast is not good for another day,” says Dabolkar from Morjim.

DELAYED FOR NOW: The sudden rain and tide line threat have put shack work on pause mode.

Work on most shacks along the entire coastal belt started in earnest with many structures ready and some even having built the toilets. The rise in the tide line resulted in many having to use temporary gunny bags to break the inflow of water.

“It is risky getting the furniture and fixing the electrical settings with this weather. I will wait for another few days before I do up the interiors and get the kitchen organised,” said Fidelis from Benaulim.

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Despite taking all shack owners by surprise, the sudden downpours have not dampened their spirits. “Shacks are mostly frequented by foreigners and not Indians. With most foreigners expected to start coming around the second week of October, it’s okay,” said Reginald who has been operating the family shack for years.

Shacks are not only frequented by tourists but by locals too and Mario from Majorda is hoping to be ready for his regular guests during the Diwali break this year. “I lost a lot of business last year. I wasn’t able to earn much because I started closer to New Year,” rues Mario.

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“It is going to be a different story this year as I should be up and running within a few days. A lot of my friends come along with their families during the Diwali break. They spend the whole day in the shack,” admits Mario.

Shacks are primarily frequented by foreigners during the day and by Indian tourists as the sun begins to set. Initially, most shacks used to close after sunset when Goa was not yet a destination favoured by domestic tourists.

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The story has now changed. “We are open till around 10 pm. Most of our clients are from the hotels around. They hang around for drinks till after sunset and return to their hotel for dinner. Locals drop in thereafter,” explains Rodrigues.

The clouds will burst now and again but the enthusiasm among shack operators is positive and the weather will not play spoilsport.