Workers in labour camp living in horrid conditions
Manama : A labour camp at the Al Muatasim Avenue, Road Number 421, Block 304, is in a dilapidated condition with workers living in horrendous conditions.
“The entire building is in a bad shape. We do not even have proper stairs to go up to our rooms. The rooms are cramped and dreadful. We asked the landlord several times to at least repair the place but he refused each time,” a resident of the labour camp told DT News.
“Our living condition is bad. But what makes it even worse is that our landlord cuts off electricity and water supply in the evenings for the entire night,” said another resident, pleading the authorities to take urgent steps to make the place livable for workers.
When asked why there was no supply of electricity and water every evening, the landlord said that EWA officials cut the power and water supply every evening.
“We stay in the camps because we can’t afford the rent. And, after a hard day’s work when we come back home we want to just relax and clean our bodies, but we are unable to do so as there is never water. And in this weather, it is impossible for us to sleep without washing our bodies,” said another resident.
“Most of us go to our friend’s place and some of them who don’t have a choice end up staying the entire night awake in the heat. For us, this has been going on for almost a month,” he said.
“The labourers, who number around 100, are depending on a small water tank. The stairs are damaged completely, roof is crumbling and the electricity junction boxes are completely open. We live in fear of short circuit and possible fire. We have told our landlord several times to atleast repair the place but instead of fixing it, he increases the rent, making life really difficult for us,” said another resident, urging the officials to take urgent action.
When contacted, a source from Electricity and Water Authority did confirm with DT News that there was no water and electricity problem in the area. “People switch off water and electricity supply to the building to save power and water charges,” he said.
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