Abu Dhabi: A group of cleaners who were honoured on International Workers’ Day in the capital on Tuesday said it was a rare occasion in their life.
“We often feel we are nobody because no one even asks what we are doing. But today was a special day. It is the first time I am getting an honour like this,” Ziaur Rahman, 31, a Bangladeshi supervisor at a cleaning facility, told Gulf News.
He was among more than 100 cleaners who were honoured by the Centre of Waste Management – Abu Dhabi (Tadweer) at a ceremony.
Dr Salem Al Kaabi, deputy director-general of Tadweer, said the contribution of these people who keep the city neat and clean are often ignored.
“They wake up early in the morning and start their work but we often do not appreciate their sacrifice. We have to stop littering and minimise waste generation to make their life easy. That is the best appreciation to them,” Al Kaabi said.
He and other senior officials distributed gifts and certificates to the workers.
He told Gulf News that around 6,000 workers are involved in various waste disposal works across the emirate.
“This is a tribute to all of them.”
Shamim Reza, 30, a Bangladeshi cleaner in Al Ain, said he thought of other moments of recognition for his work.
“Some motorists, especially Emiratis, stop by and greet us sometimes when we work in residential areas. We feel very happy then. But it is very rare because I often work in places away from the city,” he said. “That’s why this is something special to me,” Reza said.
As workers were not told beforehand about the honouring ceremony, it was a pleasant surprise to them, he said.
“I am eagerly waiting to call my wife and share this happy news. I will do it as soon as the ceremony is over,” said Esmail Hussain, 28, a Bangladeshi.
Ranjith Kumar, 22, an Indian, said he starts his day at 4am and have had a quiet life in Al Ruwais, a town more than 200km away from the capital. “I feel special now,” he said.
