Sanitation workers’ plight

Discriminatory hiring practices, low wages and a lack of legal protections are a few of many obstacles they encounter

The recent tragic fatalities of two sanitation workers in Port Qasim have brought to the forefront the challenging and often perilous conditions faced by sanitation workers across Pakistan. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Amjad Akhtar and Qadeer Naeem, both in their twenties, lost their lives after inhaling toxic fumes while performing routine maintenance within a manhole. Their untimely deaths serve as a somber reminder of the significant hazards inherent in this line of work that too often go unnoticed or unaddressed.

Beyond the headlines, the reality for sanitation workers in Pakistan is one marked by discrimination, exploitation and unsafe working conditions. Discriminatory hiring practices, inadequate wages and a lack of legal protections are just a few of the many obstacles they encounter in their daily lives. Moreover, the practice of manual scavenging in sewers presents grave risks to their health and safety. Instances where workers enter underground sewers and tanks without proper safety equipment are disturbingly commonplace, exposing them to toxic substances. Labour advocates and activists have long emphasised the imperative of transitioning away from manual cleaning methods, advocating for the utilisation of machinery and equipment to eliminate such hazards. Where manual labour remains essential, stringent adherence to safety protocols and the provision of requisite protective gear are indispensable.

The treatment of sanitation workers in Pakistan is a grave injustice that cannot be ignored. It is a systemic issue that perpetuates discrimination and inequality, denying these individuals their fundamental rights and dignity. The government must prioritise the safety and well-being of sanitation workers by enacting and rigorously enforcing safety regulations, including provisions for proper safety equipment and training. Regular inspections and oversight mechanisms should be established to ensure compliance, while investment in comprehensive training programmes is essential to equip workers with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th, 2024.

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