Residents fed up with workers' portable toilets

Dubai: A heap of sand at a construction site in Ghusais 1 near 28 A Street is being used as a urinal by labourers, residents have complained.

Residents of a building which faces the site said that even some passersby are using the pile of sand for urinating.

"Because of the construction work going on, a lot of sand has been constantly blowing into our balconies and rooms for the last few months. But now, the surrounding air has become even more unhygienic," said a Raji R. Nair, an Indian resident. "There is a lack of privacy and comfort," she added.

Noura Andrews, another resident, said she has stopped going out in her balcony frequently. "We have reduced coming out in our balconies as we feel shy and also because there is so much dust in the area. It is very shameful to see workers involved in such an act. Sometimes truck-drivers park their vehicles and urinate on the side of the road, not even behind the pile of sand."

"Whenever I drive by a construction site in the city, I usually see portable toilets. But I don't think there are any in this area. That's why labourers are urinating wherever and whenever they feel the urge. The construction company should provide such facilities for them," she said.

"I've seen labourers involved in the act for three consecutive days when I come home at around 5pm," said Sundeep Prashanth, another resident. "I urge the concerned authorities to take immediate action to eliminate such practices and provide facilities for the labourers," he said.

Residents also said that the maintenance work has been going on for over six months and is kicking up a lot of dust.