| Editor’s
Desk
Will Bahrain offer 100 BD?
Can India, or can't India? That was the pertinent question
last month as India asked for a minimum wage of 100 Bahraini-dinar
for its unskilled workers in Bahrain. No way, was the Bahraini
response; India could stop its workers from working for less
by denying them visas but there was no way India could dictate
terms to Bahrain. This is the latest salvo in a discontent
that has been simmering for some time, like the construction
workers under the hot Gulf sun.
The reason for the labour unrest is not hard to find. As the
dollar, to which the Gulf currency is pegged, is weak, salaries
have dropped. This, plus inflation, has eaten into the remittances
of overseas workers, who are demanding increased wages as
compensation. But as the minimum wage is not enforceable in
the Gulf, companies are under no obligation to increase the
salaries of workers already under contract.
Labour-intensive construction is a major activity in the
Middle East; anticipating further unrest from Indian workers,
contractors are already sourcing workers from Africa. But
this is not the ideal solution; instead the authorities can
take a leaf from ex-UAE Labour Minister Ali al-Kaabi, who
had sought humane solutions to workers' woes, such as mid-day
work breaks during the hot summer months. The current situation
too calls for concerted and compassionate efforts if the Middle
East is to keep building towards the sky.
Another situation that requires urgent attention is the water
sector. The Middle East is home to 5 per cent of the global
population, but has just 1 per cent of the world's renewable
fresh water. To meet future requirements the region is set
to spend $ 120 billion on its water infrastructure in coming
years. Our Cover Story looks at the various steps being taken
by governments to augment water supply.
A related industry, the pipes and plumbing sector is experiencing
massive growth riding the real estate boom. With major water
and sewage projects coming up, it is boom time for the pipes
and plumbing industry.
Dubai's Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) is cracking
the whip by making developers responsible for any structural
damage to a property for 10 years after project completion.
Developers tell us that this is a much-needed legislature
which will bring confidence and security in the real-estate
market and a positive response internationally from both funds
and individual investors.
Hussain Sajwani, Founder and Chairman, Damac Holding likes
the good things in life and says that he wants to be the world's
largest luxury developer. No wonder his projects keep winning
awards.
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