Authorities to inspect container homes

Dubai: The Ministry of Labour and the Dubai Municipality yesterday said they will inspect the site where workers of a construction company live in cargo containers.

Gulf News yesterday reported that more than 2,000 workers of a construction company are living in cargo containers in Al Aweer.

The containers are divided into two sections with eight workers living in each half.

The containers are fitted with air conditioners and exhaust fans.

Humaid Bin Deemas, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Labour, said that such acts are inhuman and contradict the labour law.

He said officials will inspect the site today.

"Cargo containers are designed to transport goods and it is unacceptable to make workers live in them as it goes against the ministry's policies and any company that will violate the law will face harsh penalties," said Bin Deemas.

He asked all workers in similar conditions to file a complaint with the labour relations department. He said this helps the ministry in learning workers' problems.

A Dubai municipality engineer said they will soon issue an official statement. "We will be visiting the accommodation," said the engineer from the Building Inspection Section.

A worker at the accommodation said: "We tried not to make an issue out of it but then it became impossible for us to live inside container although it is fitted with an exhaust and air conditioner."