Cleaning workers neglect work, prioritize begging

Road cleaning workers leaving their work to beg at road intersections and public utilities or commercial centers is now a common feature.
One reason why laborers are attracted to begging is there are some people who sympathize with them and give them money in charity.
Muhammad Al-Munjem said he respected the cleaning workers who keep the cities neat and tidy but their turning to beggary is totally unacceptable.
“The phenomenon has not been scientifically tackled. The practice gives an uncivilized look to our city, especially where tourists abound. Serious studies should be made to deal with the issue and also protect the laborer with measures such as dividing the work to morning and evening sessions. Their work under the scorching sun makes people pity them and give them alms,” he said.
Hassan Ahmed said Saudis are generous by nature and they never think of the evil consequences of what they are doing when they give alms to the cleaning workers on roads. Such alms make the workers neglect their cleaning work and become beggars or rag pickers. On the other hand, the cleaning contractors should secretly monitor their workers and fine those who neglect their work and even deport the guilty ones.
Muhannad Al-Oram said labor contractors should see that the workers are paid wages enough to keep them off begging. He also pointed out that some of them work as rag pickers to earn more money by selling scraps.
Muhammad Al-Buqami, spokesman of the Jeddah Municipality, said the authorities take stern action against cleaning workers practicing beggary, or washing cars and collecting scraps. The legal procedures include notifying the worker’s contracting company, which in turn would take penal measures against the violator. Recently, 70 workers were deported for engaging in prohibited activities such as begging, rag picking and car washing on roads.


He added that five companies are contracted for cleaning in Jeddah.