SHOW ME THE WAY: Nepalese expat Rajiv Karki is one of many security guards assigned to manage the parking situation in Katara.
By Anand Holla
As evening approaches, the footfall at Katara starts catching speed. While some proceed to park at the underground parking lot, most cars jostle for space as they try to pull into parking spots marked along the bustling walkways dotted with eateries or the many bylanes that lead to restaurants.
Given how many cars vie for these spots and the constant hum of activity surrounding these areas, the hard-working security guards stationed all over Katara have a taxing job at hand.
Rajiv Karki from Nepal is one of the many such security guards assigned to manage the parking situation and assist visitors in immediately finding spots to park. “I came to Qatar last August,” says the 22-year-old guard at Teyseer Security Services (TSS). “I like Qatar. It’s one of the richest countries in the world and that can be seen by how developed it is,” he says.
“My job is to help the visitors get parking and to guide them to the right spots. We must also stop those who drive down from the opposite direction as it’s a one-way street,” says Karki, “Sometimes, they don’t listen to us. If we ask them to tuck their vehicle just a little in, some people get angry with us. But we are just doing our job.”
That said, they also come across kind people. Around six months ago, when he had newly joined his firm, a visitor from Dubai had asked Karki to find a parking space for him. “I just did what I am supposed to do but he was so pleased that he insisted on tipping me QR100. I remember that because it felt special,” Karki shares.
Back in his hometown Pokhara, Karki was still studying – he has majored in English, he says – when he sensed a work opportunity to fly down here. “But since we don’t get much time for ourselves, I can’t hang out with my friends and people from my community, which I would love to do,” he says, “It would be nice to take Fridays off to roam the city on a holiday and explore what it has to offer. But Friday and Saturday are the busiest workdays for us here.”
Karki’s residential quarters are in Al Khor, which means it takes him a little more than an hour to reach Katara. “Since my work lasts for 12 hours, I can’t get to go to cool places like City Center, Corniche, or some beach. It would be interesting to swim here at one of Qatar’s beaches because I am good at it.”
What’s the best part about his job? “I get to see, meet or interact with people from various countries and even locals who visit Katara for some event or just to eat at any of its restaurants,” says Karki, “Some good people stop by to talk with me or my colleague, and it feels nice to know about their culture, religion, likes, dislikes, etc.”
Managing life in Qatar on a modest salary, Karki is keen on settling the loan he took to pay the agent for his visa and other formality expenses. “Sometime in the near future, I would like to take some training and become a supervisor. I may even become a waiter because they get paid quite decent,” he muses.
Karki’s long-term dream is to build a “sweet home” back in his hometown. “I like it here in Qatar,” he says, “So after five or six years, I would like to come to Qatar again as a visitor, but not to work. That way, I will get to thoroughly explore it and see all the cool places.”
Interestingly, this summer will be Karki’s first encounter with Qatar’s blistering heat. “I feel prepared for it,” he says. “As we work outdoors, we wear facemask, gloves and cap, to fight the heat. I also wear this,” he says, smiling and pointing to his purple wayfarer shades.
