Midday work ban flouted at some city construction sites

Violations of the midday work ban were spotted at some worksites in Doha yesterday, the first day of its implementation, reported the Gulf Times.

Under a ministerial directive, no outdoor work is to be allowed between 11.30am and 3pm during the ban period, which will continue until the end of August.

The ban is implemented with the aim of providing relief to those engaged in outdoor works, including construction workers, for the 75-day period when the summer weather is at its worst.

While companies face stiff penalties for flouting the directive, some workers were seen in action at a site in Al Mansoura — where a multi-storey building is under construction — between 12.30pm and 1.30pm yesterday. Similar violations were seen at some sites in the neighbourhood as well.

At one of the sites, a supervisor was seen giving instructions to workers during the midday ban hours.

Meanwhile, some workers hoped that visits by labour inspectors to construction sites across Doha and beyond — and the subsequent action to be taken in cases of violations — would compel construction firms to fully comply with the directive.

There have been appeals from workers of construction firms for longer breaks during the summer months. Some of them said they should get a minimum of five hours’ rest, starting from 11am.

Some companies have rescheduled their work hours, with outdoor duties starting after sunset, it is learnt.

Courtesy: gulf-times.com