Funding for Frontline Sewage Workers

A CALL TO SAVE OUR FRONT LINE WORKERS

Please note:

• Donations can be made through credit card AS WELL AS debit card on the payment page.
• To procure a tax exemption receipt for your donation if paying through other means, please write to advancement@muwci.net.

Cleaning manholes is an extremely dangerous task because the workers are subjected to noxious and toxic fumes released from human excrement. During COVID-19, the risk to their hazardous occupation has been further aggravated due to the threat from the virus in their degrading and contagious workspace. It may be mentioned here that more than 90% of sewage cleaners are Dalits, who have been systematically suppressed and shunned from all communities due to their caste. It is an irony that these sewage cleaners who are the front-line warriors against COVID, continue to be neglected by the government and society. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to make their muffled voices heard and suitably addressed. They must not be kept in the shadows any longer.

Following the prevailing pandemic, when the attention of the society is on general hygiene and sanitation issues, we must seize this opportunity to shine the light on these sewage cleaners so that they can lead a life of dignity and respect.

During our recent field visit and research on sewage workers in Hyderabad, we learnt that there are 2000 workers who are outsourced by the government and hired by private companies for sewage cleaning. Unfortunately, the companies do not provide them with any protective gear.

In the context of providing them the basic protective gear, it may be noted that one set of safety gear (masks, boots, gloves, coat, sanitizer/soap) costs Rs.1200/-. For 2000 workers, this amounts to Rs. 24,00,000 (24 lakhs). Converting Rupees to US Dollars, this equals to approximately $32,000. Due to the continuing pandemic related uncertainties, we have set a moderated initial goal of raising $5000, which would support around 300 workers.

We invite you to kindly support us through your contribution in reaching out to the hapless sewage workers and their families in Hyderabad so they can start living a life fit for a human.