Camps to be shut are 'unsuitable' for living

Dubai: More than 100 labour accommodations in Muhaisna 2 area, are to be shut down within a year because they are unsuitable for living in.

Salem Mesmar, Public Health Director and head of the recently established Committee for Environmental and Health Affairs of Labourers at Dubai Municipality, told Gulf News that this is the first step towards improving the living conditions of workers.

Dr Ali Bin Abdullah Al Ka'abi, Minister of Labour, welcomed the move and said labour accommodations must be organised. He said the municipality's move is a step in the right direction.

Muhaisina 2, which is home to 495 labour accommodations and 200,000 workers, has one the oldest and most rundown labour accommodations.

"More than 20 per cent of accommodations in Muhaisina 2 are unsuitable for living. Some are more than 20 years old. We have been long aware of the poor state of these accommodations and are now committed to tackling the issue," said Al Mesmar.

The new accommodations, which companies have to provide within a year, have to meet safety, health and quality standards set by the municipality in 10 different areas such as state of buildings, sleeping quarters, entertainment areas, dining facilities, drinking water, health services, waste removal, pest control and first aid.

Mesmar said the decision to demolish some of the older labour accommodations was made after assessments. Renovation would be costly and time-consuming.

"Companies have been cooperative in the first stage, especially as they understand that the government is serious in implementing its agenda," said Mesmar.

Good decision, but it is very late.
Prasad
Dubai,UAE

It really is a great decision from the authorities concerned. The officials have to really look into it and uplift the living standards of the labourers in the country and the infrastructure.
S A Rahman
Dubai,India

It is nice to hear that the living conditions of the construction workers are being taken into consideration. It is a sign of improvement. Also the authorities should provide them with free medical care. That would be the best charity.
N Panickar
Dubai,UAE

It is high time something is done for the labourers. It is bad enough that they are far away from their loved ones; they could do with at least better living conditions, especially after their long hours of working.
F Chaudhry
Deira,Dubai

Very good decision from DMC. The poor labourers are working in the hot sun and bad winter, they are constructing big towers but there is no place for them to live. Of course they should be given good accommodation and healthy living conditions. It is good for both the government and the people.
S Natarajan
Dubai,India

This is very powerful news and very helpful to labourers who come from abroad. All GCC countries should follow this action.
K Abraham
Doha,Qatar

Government authorities should make regular visits to all the labour camps. Most of the camps are not suitable for human living. Stricter rules are required when giving permission to build the camps and they should include all the facilities while making them.
Salinkumar
Dubai,UAE