The handbook features a model architectural draft to design and execute works on temporary accommodation for labourers at construction sites
In a new initiative to enhance the protection of human rights of expatriate labourers in Qatar, a handbook has been prepared with regard to the temporary accommodation of labourers at construction sites, local Arabic daily Arrayah has reported.
“The standards stipulated are compliant with globally-approved ones,” Dr Mohamed bin Saif al-Kuwari, assistant undersecretary for Laboratories and Standardisation Affairs of the Ministry of Environment, and a member of the National Human Rights Committee, said.
The first-of-its-kind handbook has 10 chapters, with details on: rooms at labourers’ accommodation, kitchens and places for preparation of food, toilets, clinics and health facilities, periodical maintenance, water, electricity and communication systems, sewage systems, safety, the architectural blueprint, general terms and references.
The handbook features a model architectural draft to design and execute works on temporary accommodation for labourers at construction sites, which could be modified according to the conditions and nature of the work location.
“For example, the vacant space for one individual within a shared room should not be less than 4sqm with a maximum of four labourers in a single room,” explained Dr al-Kuwari.
All such rooms must be well ventilated with adequate natural and artificial lighting. Bunk beds are strictly banned. Beds should be supplied with the necessary sheets and covers.
All labourers’ rooms should be provided with adequate number of wardrobes and air conditioners, in addition to easy access to clean drinking water.
Smoking is strictly forbidden in such rooms alongside the lighting of any fire. Notices to this effect should be displayed clearly in Arabic and English and any other languages spoken by five labourers or more.
Dr al-Kuwari, who stressed the importance of periodical and regular maintenance to ensure the safety and security of the place, said the handbook, published in English and Arabic, had been distributed to most of the companies’ active in the country.
“Every worker plays a vital role in maintaining the collective wellbeing of society and it is very necessary that he enjoys his full rights with the due mechanism to protect this,” he affirmed.
However, Dr al-Kuwari admitted that some companies still needed “support and assistance” in implementing the new regulations mentioned in the handbook.
Accordingly, two forums were held for those companies to discuss with them the difficulties and how to resolve them as soon as possible. Eventually, he hoped that labourers’ accommodations in Qatar would be a good model worth emulating.