The plight of Kohima’s sanitary workers

KOHIMA, AUGUST 20 : While we continue to complain of Kohima not being cleaned as to our liking, we hardly bother to take into consideration the lives and conditions of our sanitary workers – hardworking committed men and women who are behind the daily clean-up initiatives of our city.

Apart from mistreatments due to the nature of their work, as most of these people are from poor economic background, these are the groups of people who continue to do a job that nobody wants to do, and by virtue of their occupation, expose and risk their health to disease and infections in the service of the people to keep the city clean.
During an interaction with the sanitary workers under Kohima Municipal Council, it was learned that presently there were 103 workers comprising sweepers, labourers, drivers and others inadequately equipped even with the basic necessary personal protective gear that should minimize exposure to all kinds of health hazard.

Revealing their pathetic and pitiable conditions as they continue to perform their duties of cleaning the whole city, starting as early as 3 a.m. every day, the worker said that they were not provided with safety or protective gears like waterproof gloves, boots and masks – the basic essential requirements of personal hygiene practices and, most importantly of their safety.

It was informed that they have been provided only with a raincoat, pair of gum-boots and surgical gloves this year that has given away long back from the tear and cuts from broken bottles and discarded needles.

Narrating the dire nature of their work, the workers said the stench from the waste infested with maggots and all kinds of insects is greatly taking a toll on their health, and affecting their family as well.

Considering the kind of everyday exposure to unsanitary and unhygienic environment when dealing with all kinds of rubbishes and wastes collected from homes, market places and hospitals, they are exposed to various occupational noxious agents.

According to Dr K Sophie, who works as the Medical Superintendent at District Hospital Mon, the most common diseases associated with this group of workers were typhoid, infectious hepatitis, helminthiasis (also known as worm infection), skin problems, respiratory problems and pulmonary diseases.

Hence, he advised proper personal hygiene guidelines and practices to be followed by the workers to reduce their health risk and protect them from illness and diseases.

However, it was learned from the workers that no medical camp has been ever conducted or any training or awareness programme on personal hygiene practices has been organized for them. It was also informed that not even a single dose of TT injection have been given to the workers.

During the interaction it was informed that most of them were suffering from breathing problems and “gas eye” syndrome due to exposure to toxic gases emanating from the garbage. Most of the time, they were injured, cut and wounded from broken glasses and needles, which puts them at risks for infection to set in if left untreated.

It was also learned that within a span of one and half years, around 7 workers whose works involve cleaning of sewage have died due to alcohol addiction. Due to the nature of their work, this group of people usually do their work after consuming alcohol, and thereby gradually become addicted to it.

Besides, the workers have also complained harassment from the public while on duty and have asked the authority concerned to provide them with uniforms. They also pointed out that with outdated vehicles and in absence of any machinery at their disposal it was becoming impossible for them to perform their duties properly.

Most of the workers continue to get a meagre salary ranging from Rs 4000-5000 for decades now, without regularisation of their service. “With this meagre salary after we pay our house rent, electricity bill, children’s school fees and kitchen expenses, we are left with nothing to buy anything for ourselves”, complained the workers.

When asked about the problems faced by the workers, KMC Administrator Kovi Meyase said uniforms for the workers were on the pipeline. It (uniforms) be soon provided to them, he said.

On the absence of any machinery at the moment, he also wondered ‘how can the municipality (sic) function to deliver the best services’ without any proper machinery. He maintained that ‘realistic funds’ should be allocated for better services. He also empathized with the sanitary workers’ need to have their salaries increased.

To ensure safety and good health of its sanitation workers, the department concerned should provide them good quality protective gears, uniforms, regular medical check-ups and also training and awareness programmes on personal safety and hygienic practices.

And for the public, perhaps we can be a little appreciative and empathetic towards these workers who continue to clean up our city through their dedicated services in spite of their pitiable working conditions.