Quenching workers’ thirst

Bonny Mascarenhas
Staff Reporter

The campaign to quench the thirst of labourers sweating it out under the hot sun has received support and encouragement to continue their campaign.A group of 30-odd goes around the Kingdom between 10am and 12noon on Saturdays, distributing cold water and soft drinks to workers.

Their source of inspiration was Indian social worker Salma Bala who had distributed water and soft drinks to workers after she arrived in Bahrain decades ago.

On hearing about the project Bala’s advice to the group was: “Keep it up, you too will experience the joy of sharing and your example will be followed by many.”

Contacted, Bala said the campaign was a brilliant idea and called on unemployed and children to get into the act.

“It’s just a few hours of our time but with it we bring smile and cheer to hundreds of workers. I hope the participants talk a bit to the men, ask them about their health. It means a great deal to a labourer.”

The group has constantly refused to be named in media report. But Bala said they should not be publicity shy and should share experience with others.

“Many are not aware of what an effort it is to do hard labour in the heat of the sun. Others like students especially should make it a point to participate in the campaign. It might give them a sense of appreciation for the luxuries they have and take for granted,” she said.

Rev. Richard Westra, pastor of National Evangelical Church donated BD200 to support the campaign and said, “An excellent and well-organised event. His message to the group in an email was: “Your reward is great, keep up the good work.”

Last Saturday, the group distributed over 2,000 bottles of water and soft-drinks along with caps donated by Coca Cola which also provided 3,000 Fanta Citrus cans.