ISLAMABAD: Workload of sanitary workers in the federal capital has increased thanks to the ongoing sit-ins. Those who used to put an eight-hour shift daily are now working twice the time.

Shahan Iqbal, a sanitary worker who was collecting garbage from Kashmir Avenue, told Dawn that the contractors had instructed the workers to work from 6am to 10pm, as long as the sit-ins continue.

“These days I am working 16 hours a day and all I get is Rs10,000 per month. I cannot find another job so I have no option but to continue working as a sanitary worker,” he said.

“Instead of using garbage bins, people throw polythene bags, boxes, bottles, flags and sticks on the road. Moreover, people also throw rice and other edible items on the ground. Almost eight trolleys get filled with garbage throughout the day,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2014