Photo credit: Today’s Online
Motorists driving near migrant workers’ dormitories are concerned about the careless lives of some of them.
Asiaone reports that some of them eat and drink alcohol at night by the roads near their residences. They complained that the men are at risk if an errant driver mounts a kerb.The Straits Times found a migrant worker fast asleep on Jolan Lekar on May 12 at 10 pm. He refused to budge even when two of his friends tried to rouse him. He moved only after 10 minutes of shaking and yelling. Not too far away, motorists had to slow down because residents were eating and drinking alcohol while sitting on the two-lane road next to their lodge.
One said they prefer to sit on the pavement outside since alcohol consumption is banned on the Lodge’s premises.
The resident who introduced himself as Vijay said, “It is quieter and cooler outside, and less crowded…You can sit anywhere.”
He further stated that most of his countrymen prefer to eat and consume alcohol on the pavement. He is from India.
Teddy Tora, a trailer driver, said he is extra alert when driving around Penjuru Road. “The roads are dark at night and with many blind spots on the trailer, it takes my full concentration to spot workers sitting at the side of roads. I’ve had many close calls.”
With 54 purpose-built dormitories, each capable of accommodating 1,000 workers, and some of the workers housed in factory-converted dormitories, drivers must be having a tough time.
