As a society, we are not too mindful of sanitary workers who are unfortunately treated as pariahs. But that is not the case in literal sense, as these marginalised, poor and ignored workers are one of the prime contributors in civic edifice, and their job is worth appreciating. A latest report by the National Commission of Human Rights (NCHR) has brought to the fore the discrimination, bias and neglect faced by sanitary workers across the country.
Incidentally, most of them belong to the Christian community and are also a victim of apartheid when it comes to compartmentalising the community on lines of virtue and vice. This minority segment is not only in need of being recognised but also ensured that its due fundamental rights are protected as equal citizens of Pakistan.
The NCHR findings have pointed out a very pertinent issue related to life and death of sanitary workers as they are compelled to work in extreme unhygienic and hazardous conditions. One of their trades is to manually open manholes deep underground. This often not only results in instant death due to poisonous gases, but also leaves a long-lasting detrimental impact on their health conditions.
While the same practice in other countries is performed by machines, here it is manual to the core. The report’s recommendation that a ban be imposed on manually opening manholes is endorsed, and one hopes our civic bodies will ensure its implementation. Also, it’s high time to focus on the social mobility of this neglected segement and make sure that specified quotas for minorities in government jobs as well as higher educational institutions is promptly applied.
Assuring due healthcare to sanitation workers and preventing them from hazardous exposures is a must. A 2022 study of Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences laid bare the bitter reality that 96.5% of sanitary workers were not immunised against typhoid, hepatitis and tetanus and, 91% did not use safety gadgets at work. This pathetic situation is a challenge to the entire society and should be addressed with due commitment for the betterment of all and sundry.
