Mawaqif parking inspectors call for better working conditions in harsh summer heat

Mawaqif inspectors have asked the Department of Transport to find a way to improve their work environment, particularly in the hot summer months. Sammy Dallal / The National

ABU DHABI // Mawaqif inspectors have asked the Department of Transport to find a way to improve their work environment, particularly in the hot summer months.

According to Al Ittihad, The National's Arabic-language sister paper, they have called for air-conditioned kiosks to be built near parking lots and said that midday work was agony for them.

They claim that even though the Ministry of Labour issued a decision to impose a midday break, the decision does not include them.

Inspectors say that in summer the sun “burns their backs” throughout the day and they have no refuge.

One inspector at Mawaqif said they should be provided proper working conditions as the nature of their job demanded constant movement.

Another said they had to carry out their work even at midday.

He said the months of July and August were the toughest as heat and humidity became unbearable, and urged the department to heed their requests.

The Department of Transport confirmed that the midday break decision did not include inspectors, but said it was responsible for providing a comfortable working environment.

The department said special vehicles were used to inspect Mawaqif zones during the hottest times of day, to prevent inspectors from standing in the sun for long periods and ensure the smooth flow of traffic and proper parking.

It said inspectors switched zones at midday using special vehicles.

When asked about the demand to build air-conditioned booths or kiosks, the department said it provided a comfortable working environment for its employees.

The proposal for kiosks or booths had been the subject of a feasibility study, with the results found to be unsatisfactory.