Operators installing AC in workers' buses to avoid penalties
After working the whole day outside in hot and humid conditions, you would expect the workers to be transported back to their accommodation in air-conditioned buses. Unfortunately, that was not the case for most construction workers - but things are changing.
Operators of several buses, especially older ones, are getting their non-AC fleets converted to air-conditioned ones as the technical inspection authorities are reportedly being very strict about buses being equipped with air-conditioners in line with a government directive issued last year.
As per the new rules, the buses should be fully air conditioned. They should have all their glasses insulated or tinted (at least 30 percent), except the front wind screen and window glasses on the left and right sides of the driver's seat. This apparently is to provide extra comfort and cooling for the passengers.
The move was welcomed by labourers who have for long sought comfortable transportation.
@qatarliving This will be awesome if implemented! Congrats in advance to those who have been affected
— David Mide (@daveolu) June 15, 2015
Installing AC units could cost up to QR45,000-50,000 to install an air-conditioning system in a large bus with 48 or more seats, according to a Gulf Times report.
Several vehicle air-conditioning business have confirmed that a significant number of non-AC buses are being converted and work is on in full swing at workshops, many of which have several orders to complete.
What are your thoughts on this?
Just wondering why the labors are not only employed in the night hours.
As we know the temperature is unbearable during the morning and day time.
A continues summer plan should be adopted to work only in the night.
I am sure, the administration office can be function in the normal hours and there should be proper bridge made to liaise matters. (Night & Day)
Air conditioners? I have seen some buses on the road without proper windshield wipers. When it rains, the visibility becomes poor. If the bus driver makes an accident then, of course "it is his fault" and cost of damages gets deducted from his salary.
ani_chy: The problem is enforcement.. These bus owners keep making excuses and getting away with it
Every day I see buses without ACs plying on Salwa road. It seems profit is paramount than the welfare of workers.
I appreciate the fact that the authorities have now realized this and are strict on their approach, to ensure worker safety. I hope all the management levels in labor supplying companies take note and themselves supervise this move.
Yes, it's one year already, but we need more inspections and surprise checks, similar to what they do in the food and agriculture sectors.
It shows how little the workers are appreciated here. It's a shame!!! But it is typical for this region.
As per the tweet in the article .. It is over a year already
My thought is that this is the third or fourth article on this topic posted on QL in the past year..
Nothing tangible has hapened yet.. The bus owners continue to flout the rules citing high costs of conversion and the workers continue to suffer...