JOWAI: In a bid to find out how truck drivers are ill-treated in cement plants, the East Jaintia Hills Drivers’ Association (EJHDA) inspected various cement plants under Lumshnong area in East Jaintia Hills.
The association led by its president, Sakilon Chyrmang and general secretary, Geral Phawa inspected parking lots of Green Valley Cement, Star Cement and JUD Cements and found that most of the cement companies ill-treat the truckers. Upon inspection inside the premises of the cement plants, it was found that there was no proper toilet, no water supply and no restroom for the drivers.
A driver said that that he has to pay five rupees for using the toilet and ten rupees for bathing. The toilets are too dirty, he added.
The Green Valley Cement limited is the worst. The General Manager of the plant told the association that everything is okay but he did not allow them to inspect the parking lot. It was later found out that there is no safe drinking water and the toilets were not cleaned for so many days.
EJHDA president said that it was a matter of their health and the health of other nearby villages. He also questioned what if any epidemic occurs due to open defecation near the cement factory.
According to Chyrmang, other companies like Amrit Cement and Goldstone Cement do not have any toilet facility.
In this regard, the association informed that they will lodge a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner and also with all concerned authorities.
