Bengaluru: BBMP plans to test all 14,000 pourakarmikas in the city for Covid-19 and provide them health kits and ration. This is to make sure they remain healthy and waste management doesn’t get disrupted during the pandemic.
“Pourakarmikas are our biggest strength as they work relentlessly to ensure that our city is clean and hygienic. Their safety is our utmost priority,” BBMP commissioner N Manjunatha Prasad told TOI.
The death of a pourakarmika with Covid-19 last week has caused a sense of unease among the staff. “Many are not reporting for work as they fear they might contract the infection,” said another senior BBMP official. “They should not be afraid as we will provide everyone proper safety gear.”
Some health officials conceded that failure to provide safety gear had affected pourkarmikas.
Prasad said all pourkarmikas would be swabbed for tests. “Those who turn positive will receive immediate treatment. Those who test negative can continue with their work. They will be given PPE kits. Multiple sets of masks and gloves will also be provided, so they can work comfortably without the fear of contracting the virus,” he said.
Kamakshi Karigowda, a pourkarmika in Vibhutipura, said PPE kits would make the staff and their families feel confident. “My family won’t be worried when I go to work as they will be assured of my safety,” she said.