Checks conducted in labour camps by the Health wing of the city Corporation on Sunday have found that migrant workers live in unhygienic conditions with many of them packed into spaces that can house only a few.
The checks were conducted at three labour camps in Nanthancode, Muttada and Kuravankonam early in the morning, as part of the civic body’s pre-monsoon cleaning programme. One of the labour camps was found to be located in an old building near the Devaswom board junction. Though the building had the capacity to accommodate a maximum of 10 persons, 40 labourers were found staying here.
Construction sector
Most of them are employed in the construction sector.
There was just a toilet for all of them, with the kitchen located near the toilet. Waste was found to be dumped in the surroundings.
Kuravankonam
At Kuravankonam, a group of 40 labourers employed by a construction company were found to be staying in the terrace of a building under a tin sheet roof, with the summer heat being unbearable. The surroundings of the house were unhygienic, with open defecation and dumping of waste.
At Muttada, the 60 employees of Kings’ restaurant were found to be housed in a building that can accommodate only 20 people.
It had only two toilets for the 60 employees.
“We have given directions to the contractor of the Devaswom board camp to shift the employees to another camp immediately. The owners have been asked to clean up the surroundings and the camp.
Notices today
Notices will be issued on Monday. At Kuravankonam, we have not yet identified the contractor. The owner has been asked to take the necessary action,” said Health Inspector S.S. Minu, who led the checks in the labour camps.