• Angry workers riot, blame water shortages

  Frustrated by a water shortage, around 3,000 workers at an Arabian Ranches site went on the rampage late on Sunday night causing huge losses and damage to property.

  The workers of Arabtec Construction smashed computers, two tankers, cars and pulled down the camp fences as the taps went dry when they returned to camp after a long day’s work on Sunday. The workers alleged that the water shortage had been going on for the last 20 days and that there has not been enough water for a shower.

  “We work all day in the heat only to come back to the camp and realise that there is no water. We complained several times but no one bothered to solve the problem,” said one worker.Police reached the camp to control the angry mob while labour officials tried to negotiate a compromise.

  The Permanent Committee of Labour Affairs said that water was a basic necessity and had to be provided at any cost. “We have called the manager of the company for talks and will suggest that the camp be moved to a location where there is no water problem,” said Col Rashid Bakhit Al Jumeiri, of the permanent committee.

  The company officials, however, said that they were doing their best and there was a problem with the water supply in the area. “We purchased tankers to ensure that the workers have no water concerns. On the day of the rioting, the tankers were delayed by just 30 minutes. The strike was unjustified and action will be taken against the workers who instigated it,” said a spokesperson from Arabtec.

  The camp is located close to the Arabian Ranches and residents in the development have expressed concern about the violence occurring so close to their homes. Emaar reassured residents that the dispute took place within the confines of the worker’s premises. “Emaar’s gated communities have comprehensive security systems in place,” a statement said.  Emaar added that they are planning to move these labour camps away from the residential area.

Article printed from 7DAYS: http://www.7days.ae

URL to article: http://www.7days.ae/2006/07/04/angry-workers-riot-blame-water-shortages.html

Click here to print.