Amid COVID19 outbreak, the foot soldiers of Srinagar Municipal Corporation are being praised for carrying out regular sanitation without fail.
“This is for the first time I have seen the SMC doing such agreat job. They are working day-in and day-out to control spread ofcoronavirus. Amid this tough time, they are not missing the daily sanitationand garbage collection,” said Adil Bashir from Bemina.
The SMC workers can be seen on the frontline fighting thevirus and protecting the citizens from the threat. From sanitization to fumigation, everythingis being done by these workers with great efficiency.
“I used to work till 10 in the morning everyday as per mywork schedule. But since the outbreak of coronavirus, I give extra time toensure proper cleanliness. We have to fight back the crisis with dedication andfor welfare of the community,” said Bashir Ahmad, SMC worker.
The number of SMC administrative wards has increased to 70,amid the coronavirus threat. “The SMC workers have been deployed as per therequirement to every ward,” officials said.
Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Ghazanfar Alisaid they make sure to reach every corner of the city and its outskirts.
“We are running short of manpower but in order to overcomethis problem we have (additionally) outsourced the job to around 300 people,”he said.
He described the staff and workers of the Corporation as”real heroes” for working on the ground.
“We ensure everything that protects their livesI have alsodecided to give the workers incentives for the work they are doing for safetyof all,” he said.
About shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) inKashmir, the SMC commissioner said the workers deputed for carrying outfumigation at different places were provided “regular raincoats, gloves, masksand other essentials.”
“But those who are sent to red zones and hospitals are givenproper PPEs including helmets, shoe gears and other essential items,” he said.