doha • The misery of workers in labour camps has been so oft-repeated that it has almost become boring.

Poor roads, lack of proper sanitation, several workers cooped up in tiny rooms without proper ventilation and the complete absence of healthcare facilities have made life a living hell for labourers in the industrial area. Arabic daily Al Sharq spoke to a crosssection of society, labourers, managers and even a senior official in the national human rights commission to get their views on what needs to be done to allay the sufferings of these workers.

The findings revealed a very morbid picture.

According to a senior manager, it was difficult to imagine that just a few kilometres away from Doha, people lived in such inhuman conditions. Most people, he pointed out, would be aghast to see how these workers lived. So what is the problem? What has reduced the labour camps to such misery?

Studies have shown that over 80 percent of the homes in the labour area are in need of urgent repairs.

A large section is of the opinion is that entrepreneurs who win contracts worth several million riyals, appoint managers to handle labour accommodation. These managers in turn have scant regard for the welfare of the workers, and regularly flout labour laws.

Ramadan, a consultant, points out that with more and more companies coming up in the Industrial Area, it has become overcongested, and existing infrastructure has not been able to keep pace with rapid growth.

Mohammad Hamdan feels that companies should allocate special areas for labour housing.

Maqsood Mohammed informed that many workers were returning home unable to cope with these poor living conditions.

Haith Fahd Mehdi, the manager of a private company, strongly believes that companies and influential businessmen should do their bit to provide better facilities to their workers.

In this context, private companies could plough back a part of their profits in re-developing the industrial area, he added.

A senior official in charge of labour affairs in the national human rights department was categorical that existing labour laws clearly specified the regulations to be followed by companies.

The department had been flooded with several complaints from aggrieved parties. All complaints were taken very seriously and punitive measures were undertaken by concerned authorities, he assured.

The number of raids in the Industrial Area have increased in recent times, there is greater awareness of safety regulations. But, a lot more needs to be done.