Danger awaits delivery boys in street brats’ den

 Boys pelt stones and cans at delivery boys while on duty

Manama

 They ensure the delivery of food on time, and even the inclement weather is not an impediment. But the delivery boys working in the eateries in Bahrain face a lot of difficulties. Literally, they get stones instead of appreciations!

 Children playing in the streets pose a threat to the delivery boys, as they pelt stones at them while on duty. “I have been working as a delivery boy for seven years. There is always danger awaiting us,” says Namsheed Nalupurakkil, a delivery boy in a cafeteria referring to the impishness of some brats in the streets.

 During summer vacations, children used to play on the roads. Delivery staff allege that they harm them using stones and soft drink cans. Complaints have been raised about the areas in and around Isa Town and Sitra.

 Speaking about his narrow escape from the mischievous acts of boys recently, Namsheed explains, “When I entered the small lanes for delivery, I saw a group of boys running towards me with stones. They threw stones and the petrol tank of the bike got a big dent.”

 “A few years ago, a group of teenagers, who were doing illegal car stunt, hit me and my hands got fractured. I had to flew to my homeland for further treatment,” he recalls.

 The newspaper boys also face same situations. “The situation is bad in Sitra. Some boys had thrown plastic bags filled water at me. They pelt stones, plastic bags with water, soft drinks bottles and cans,” says Qamar Uz Zaman, a newspaper boy.

 Adding to this is the inclement weather. Be it scorching heat, dusty winds or bitter cold nights, they have to reach the clients in 30 minutes. If there are traffic snarls, it adds another burden. 

 Delivery boy Babbar (name changed) comments: “I got hurt in Isa Town two years ago. I was on my bike when a group of boys attacked me. I fell down and broke my arms. They took my bike and deserted me there for a while. Later, the police found the bike. The case is in the court and two of them are jailed.”

 The delivery boys ask for more patrolling and support from the police to perform their duty safely.