Contract workers at Durgam Cheruvu STP embrace risk and unreasonable work schedules

If the floating water hyacinth covering the nearly dried up Durgam Cheruvu signifies the systematic and sustained neglect of the aquatic life, then a stroll inside the Sewage Treatment Plant tells an altogether different story of human exploitation. The contract workers on duty, numbering around ten, at the HMDA’s STP complex on the banks of the lake in Madhapur have learnt to embrace risk and unreasonable work schedules.

The concept of working throughout the week without an off or a holiday is unheard of for many, but not for the security guard on duty. “I have been told that I am not eligible to take a weekly off. I tried to reason with the superiors but they said that I will be fired if I insist,” said 55-year-old Lakshman, who has been working for 12 hours a day without a weekly off for the past one year.

As if this rule was not enough, the frail man’s salary had been cut whenever he fell ill and failed to turn up for duty.

“Since there are a lot of mosquitoes inside the complex, I got infected with malaria recently. I was admitted in a hospital for more than four days and my salary was deducted for failing to report to duty. Even on festival days, I am supposed to work,” said Lakshman who does not even have a uniform.

The electric operator, Hamid, another contract worker at the complex is slightly lucky to get a weekly off. But every time he ventures in to the collection tank filled with sewage and chemically polluted water, he is unsure if he will come out alive.

“Whenever there is a mechanical fault anywhere in the plant, I am supposed to fix it,” said Hamid who goes about his work without any safety equipment. The worker suffers from allergic reactions and scars on both his feet since he had not been given boots. The officials did not even think it necessary to provide a safety uniform to the workers who claim to have never worn them. With just two pairs of tattered gloves and an old basic nose mask, the operators have been discharging their duties.

“I have been frequently falling ill since I come in contact with polluted water. We do not get any financial help and have to bear the medical expenses. The authorities should at least make sure that they provide us all the safety gear or we fear for our lives,” said Hamid.

The representative of the contractor maintaining the plant blamed the financial crunch for the situation.

“From 2009, we have been getting the same amount from the government for maintaining the plant and manpower. The workers salaries have increased but our payment remains the same. We are facing problems and have given representations in this regard to the government,” said Naidu, incharge of the Durgam Cheruvu STP.