the goan I network
VASCO
A cheap plastic bag over their head is the only protection for outdoor PWD workers, as they face heavy rains in the port town.
Believe it or not, over 50 outdoor PWD workers are yet to be provided with raincoats and have been left to fend for themselves from the heavy rains, while undertaking daily work all around Vasco city.
Sources in PWD informed that besides the absence of raincoats, labourers have also not been given uniforms simply because while the cloth is available, sanction is yet to be granted to stitch the uniforms.
A PWD labourer, who was struggling at his job in heavy rains with only a plastic bag on his head for protection, said there are around 50 workers attached to the PWD for various jobs.
“None of us have been given raincoats due to some pending formalities. Many workers had fallen sick while working at the site
during heavy rains,” said the labourer.
“We have no option but to rely on plastic bags to cover our head as ours is a field job. We have requested raincoats, but this demand has been pending. Some have even refused to work in the rains. We are unable to ignore work or we may have to go hungry. We also have a family to feed.”
“The PWD must do its best and make raincoats available to us because it is extremely difficult to work in the monsoons even with an umbrella, as we have to hold the umbrella in one hand and we cannot carry out work with only the other hand,” added the labour, as he got back to work.
