LettersWhy street cleaners’ well-being should matter to Hong Kong
- Readers discuss why cleaners should be allowed to decorate workplaces, and government support for a telemedicine app
Recently, cleaners at a refuse collection point in Kwai Chung Estate were asked to take down the artwork they had decorated the walls with. The Housing Department said the refuse collection point “is used for refuse processing and is not suitable for storing other items”. We urge the authorities to reconsider this decision.
While we appreciate the Housing Department’s focus on hygiene, it is equally important to prioritise the well-being of street cleaners. Providing street cleaners with a good work environment is essential for several reasons. Firstly, a user-friendly workplace is crucial for their health and well-being. Street cleaners play a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness of the city and often work long hours in harsh weather. Despite their importance, they are often overlooked and undervalued, and many work in less-than-ideal conditions.
Finally, providing street cleaners with a good work environment is simply the right thing to do. These workers are critical, and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
We understand there may be concern over the practicality of letting street cleaners decorate their workplace. However, we believe the benefits far outweigh the costs. Creating a pleasant work environment would improve workers’ mental and physical health, better Hong Kong’s hygiene and ultimately build a more inclusive Hong Kong.