ISLAMABAD: The deaths of almost one dozen labourers in the capital seem to be a result of negligence by the authorities, as safety and security protocols to protect the workers are largely ignored in most construction projects.

Before this incident, at least two workers were killed in a construction accident in Bhara Kahu earlier this year after a portion of the under-construction bridge collapsed. On Wednesday, as heavy rain lashed the twin cities, a boundary wall of the army depot near Golra Mor collapsed, killing 11 workers who were sleeping in tents established along the boundary wall. The project is being executed by the National Highways Authority through a private construction company, TTC.

The said company instead of setting up a proper camp in accordance with the labour laws relied on a makeshift camp set up along the boundary wall of the depot.

Background discussions with several engineers revealed that construction companies engaged in various projects in Islamabad regularly flout labour laws, particularly those pertaining to safety.

Companies flout labour laws, execute projects without safety officers, engineers say

The engineers said that according to the contract, all construction companies are supposed to have insurance for all labourers. Similarly, safety gear including helmets, long shoes, gloves and reflected jackets, must be provided to the workers on site. In blatant violation of this agreement, workers are often seen working without proper gear, sometimes they are even working barefoot.

An important position in any construction company is that of a safety officer - even mandatory in mega projects. But most construction companies do not hire safety officers, in an apparent attempt to save money.

The engineers urged the government to force construction companies to comply with labour laws and adopt safety practices to protect the lives of labourers.

The government should also ensure that a contractor has hired a safety officer before the issuance of a work order, they added.

“Apparently, today’s tragedy is a result of the negligence of the authorities concerned, as labourers were forced to live in unlivable conditions,” said an engineer.

Workers Federation President Chaudhry Nasim Iqbal demanded the government compensate the families of the workers and ensure safety protocols in future. He said it was a matter of serious concern as labour laws were not properly implemented in the country.

Chief Commissioner Noorul Amin Mengal said an inquiry had been ordered to probe the incident which would be spearheaded by the deputy commissioner. Action will be taken in light of the inquiry report, he claimed.

To a query, he claimed that the safety protocols were being observed in all major projects being executed by the CDA, including the Bhara Kahu bypass project.

It may be noted here that two workers died earlier this year while working on the aforementioned project.

“Anyone can see that the workers working on CDA’s projects are wearing proper uniforms and are equipped with proper security gear,” he said, agreeing that there was still a need for improvement.

“Though, in accordance with contract agreement, the construction companies are supposed to have safety officers. I am sure, the project in question must have a safety officer; let me assure you that from now onward, the CDA will especially focus on the hiring of qualified safety officers,” the civic agency’s chairman added.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2023