Taunts from those we serve: Field worker
compared to what the houses he serves, make.
“I have been provided a list of addresses, of those who have recently returned from other countries. I have been asked to cover the Khel Gaon (CWG) Towers near Akshardham and Mayur Vihar, particularly. My job is to inform them of my purpose and spray the sodium hypochlorite solution on their doors, especially the knobs/handles, doorbells and vehicles,” he says.
When asked if the residents acknowledge his efforts, he says that some appreciate it. “About 10% offer water or tea, and I appreciate that. The rest peek through their doors and then shut it, after which I do my job.
Maybe they are just scared,” says Singh.
The weather, though, hasn’t been kind to Singh or the 124 other field workers. “Most people are indoors due to the lockdown and don’t realise that it has become quite hot,” he says. “We move about on our bicycles. Some of us have motorbikes, but the corporation doesn’t compensate us for fuel. By the time I finish my work, which is from 9am to 5pm, I am drenched in sweat.”
In case of a tyre puncture, there is no repair shop, he says. In a few instances, workers’ bicycles have been stolen while they are disinfecting an area.
“This happened to my colleagues last week. Thankfully, it hasn’t happened to me so far,” Singh says.
Besides, Singh says they have to put up with taunts quite often. “On March 31, I was leaving the house of a quarantined family when a man shouted from his balcony — ‘O macchar! Yahan bhi spray maar ja.’ (Hey mosquito! Spray the disinfectant here as well),” he says.
He says that the happiest part of his day is when he can spend time with his family.
“My wife Sunita keeps badgering me to stay home, but I feel one must not turn their back on their duty. Besides, when my two sons, both of whom are in college, find employment, I can enjoy my time at home,” he says.