Mall, parks for workers to come up in Sharjah
sharjah — Workers in Sharjah will soon have a mall and four parks of their own, according to the emirate’s Labour Standards Development Authority (LSDA).
Speaking to Khaleej Times in a Labour Day interview, Salem Yousef Al Qaseer, chairman of the LSDA, said the projects are all designed to “cater to the workers’ needs and allow them to enjoy exclusive recreational spaces, without having to travel far from their accommodations”.
The construction of the mall, set to rise at a park in Al Sajjah, is already in progress and it is expected to be completed by the end of the year, Al Qaseer said.
It will have a total of 88 retail outlets, a 10,000sq-ft hypermarket, a 7,700sq-ft hospital, banks, leisure facilities and a cinema — creating the ‘perfect hang-out spot’ where workers can enjoy their weekends and holidays.
Those who would rather relax outdoors would have four recreational parks to choose from, all of which are located in key industrial zones. One is located in Industrial Area 3, another in Industrial Area 12, and two in Al Sajjah industrial areas. One of these is already completed while the others will be done by the end of 2019, Al Qaseer said.
“The parks will include sports facilities, mosques, ATMs, shops, cafés, administrative offices for municipal services, and security,” he added.
Al Qaseer said the projects fall under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who has always believed that people are the emirate’s ‘greatest wealth’.
“Through these projects, we also aim to raise local labour standards, develop best practices, enhance facilities and associated services, and uphold workers’ rights,” he said.
Housing survey
While the parks and mall are projects that communities are looking forward to, taking care of over 600,000 workers goes beyond creating recreational spaces, Al Qaseer said.
The Labour Standards Development Authority is also looking into their housing situation, aiming to ensure that they are leading decent lives.
In line with this, a labour housing survey — powered by smart GIS technologies — was recently
launched. A special team was formed to visit workers’ residences, study their environment, and recommend improvements to the Sharjah Executive Council, paving the way for necessary legislation.
“The survey documents all the data, which is important as housing is a vital component of the people’s working environment in the industrial areas of the emirate,” Al Qaseer said.
He added that the LSDA carries out regular inspections to make
sure that all accommodations are well ventilated; compliant with safety measures; and equipped with proper electricity sources and water supply systems. The number of workers in one room must also be limited and must not exceed the area’s capacity.
Other programmes, such as awareness drives, sports activities, yoga sessions and special festivals, are also implemented as part of efforts to boost the workers’ well-being.