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Tribune News Network
Doha
Foreign journalists, who were in Doha to cover the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly, have heaped praise on the facilities at the vast and spacious Qatar Labour City.
The journalists were taken on a tour of the Labour City on Thursday to dispel fears and effectively answer the critics engaged in mudslinging with the objective of jeopardising Qatar World Cup 2022 preparations. Spanning across 1,100,000 square metres, the Labour City is home to 60,000 workers.
"The total capacity is much higher, though, it can house 100,000 people," informed Abdul Malik, the guide who works with one of the contractors at the Labour City, fielding questions in fluent English and Arabic.
Following a video presentation, which is freely available on the YouTube, Malik led the party into the living rooms of the workers, where the neat and clean dormitory-styled corridors were lined with doors opening into spacious rooms (312 in that particular building).
With three or four occupants each and enough room for belongings et al., the room definitely was much in contrast to what it has been portrayed by certain western dailies."This definitely seems good. I mean how many labourers elsewhere (outside Qatar) are able to afford such a space," said Antal Hubai, a journalist from Hungary.
What was even more noteworthy was the fact that occupants in one such room were busy taking their afternoon nap, even as their door remained unlocked an indication that they felt safe and secure in the premises. Not to forget the security room in the building was active 24x7.
The party was then led into the dining area, where they were informed that the seating capacity of that particular hall was 312. The menu too looked healthy. A look at that day's breakfast menu dispelled all doubts. Bread slices, an option of jam, honey or butter, assorted cheese, oats, moong bhaji, egg bhurji, assorted juices and an option of tea, coffee or milk that and much more is provided free of cost to the workers.
Not too far from the dining hall is the recreation area that contains a pool table, table-tennis table, and table football. Elsewhere the gym equipped with modern machines and an instructor ensures that the workers' adrenaline needs are met with. Still further, the TV room and the cyber caf` added to the entertainment, infotainment, and communications facilities.
Not far from the premises are the Grand Mall, which houses a theatre, a football field and the cricket stadium in close quarters, that has conducted many an international match.
The primary healthcare facility in the vicinity takes care of workers' medical needs.
The Imara Medical Centre is well equipped with OPD, laboratory and radiology facilities with more departments to be added soon. This apart from the state-of-the-art hospital located less than three kilometres from the clinic is an added plus.
"It certainly is a good decision by the Qatar government to make a city for the labourers," said the Hungarian journalist from RTL Klub.
"I even visited some Hungarians based here and they told me that there is a legislation in place that binds the employers to pay the labourers' salary on time," added Hubai.
"The welfare measurers provided by Qatar is much better than Hungary. Even though Hungry is nine times bigger than Qatar."
Hubai's colleague, cameraman, Peter Kovacs said,"If they (workers) live in good conditions, their ability to work is better. This is why I think that Qatar has decided to make a city for labourers."
"If you have good living conditions and sources of livelihood and entertainment, then you go to the office in a better state of mind."
"It's good that everything is located in close quarters cinema, mall, hospitals, cricket stadium, all of those facilities," added Kovacs.
Gerry Cox of Hayters Teamwork, a sports agency based in London, called the facilities"first class"."The facilities look, first class, housing, medical and every other facility. It does answer a lot of critics."
"I have travelled a lot in developing countries and as a regular guy had I travelled here I would have found it upmarket," added Cox.
Briton Charles Sale, who regularly writes for the Daily Mail, too appreciated Qatar government's efforts in the direction.
In his article, 'Qatar looks to learn from London mistakes ahead of 2022 World Cup', he writes,"Labour City is home to 60,000 migrant workers living in relatively comfortable four-bed rooms along with recreational areas, cinemas, shops, restaurants, a medical centre and a cricket ground."
The media trip was designed to dispel concerns in the build-up to Qatar 2022 about the much-reported slave-labour conditions. And with six more such cities under construction, the queries of critics have been effectively addressed.
