Safety violations at labour camps take centre stage at key meeting

Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa chaired the meeting of the Civil Defence Council yesterday, which reviewed the efforts taken to ensure the safety of workers at labour camps. The session was attended by the Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs, the Minister of Works, Municipality Affairs and Urban Development, the Health Minister, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, the Information Minister, the Chief of Public Security, Chief Executive Office of the Supreme Council for Environment, and Director-General of Oil and Gas Authority.

The Interior Minister welcomed the members, highlighting the importance of the periodic meetings of the council in the protection of general safety of the public through discussing related topics. He highlighted the crucial importance of reviewing the civil defence law by drafting amendments to meet the latest developments. He also urged the continuation of updating the national strategy for an emergency to set proactive scenarios and plans as part of efforts to protect citizens and establishments. The meeting discussed co-ordination and co-operation while inspecting old buildings illegally used as labour accommodations.

The Interior Minister highlighted that the governorates have listed all labour camps violating rules highlighting the need to enhance monitoring at these camps in light of frequent mishaps. The Works Minister revealed that the violations occur after obtaining the licences and in the absence of municipality and Civil Defence personnel regularly inspecting these buildings.