Скачать или смотреть Painting_DEPTH - Sanitation workers tell their own stories

Sanitation workers - SWs and the Provincial Department of Public Work and Transportation are critical to the provision of safely managed sanitation, keeping vital services going. In Battambang city, the Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport has been putting a lot of effort to provide public sewage services to all people in the city. The department has their own SWs team and they have system to receive and manage all information about the location and sewage problems that needs the service. The department holds a central role in mobilising sanitation workers to monitor and resolve sewage problems on site and on demand.

Though a lot of efforts and supports have been provided to sanitation workers, still their nature of works are critical and dangerous to their health and hygiene, and most of the time lack of respect, support and collaboration from local people.

They often see SWs’ presence in Battambang city especially in the areas where there is sewage problems and where people need them. People may think their works are disgusting. They work in a confined space, dirty and smelly environment.

They do not have enough knowledge on how to protect themselves from hazardous substances that can harm their lives. They also have limited knowledge about the risks and how to protect themselves. They are the most marginalized and at risk.

Sanitation workers also have full right like other citizens. They are key workers that shall be treated with respect, recognition, appreciation and support from local government and citizens. This is the foundation for stopping stigmatisation and enabling safe and dignified working conditions for sanitation workers.

WaterAid Cambodia with strong support from the Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport in Battambang is working to contribute to tackle this challenge. We are working closely with sewage system team of the Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport in Battambang and Mr. Remissa Mak, Cambodian professional photographer, to provide new skills to sanitation workers to build their capacity to demonstrate and tell their own stories through photography and videography. Phare Ponleu Selpark guides SWs on painting.

On 24 March, 2022, photos, painting and videos that produced by SWs were exhibit at Phare Ponle Selpak in Battambang province and through these photo stories, painting, and videos, SWs could tell their own stories to raise public awareness on challenges of sanitation works and strengthen collaboration on sewage care and hygiene. Through this work, they also can express their need for better social services and raise their voice for recognition from authority and community members.