ILO chief Gilbert Hiungbo visits Gadani ship recycling yard, briefed on workers’ safety

GADANI: Director General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Gilbert Hiungbo visited the Gadani ship recycling yard on Wednesday. Provincial Minister for Planning and Development Mir Zahoor Ahmed Buledi and Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Zahid Saleem received him.

Mr Saleem gave the ILO director general a detailed briefing on the Gadani ship recycling yard, industrial activity, workers’ welfare, occupational health and safety, a safe working environment and environmental protection. He informed him of the Balochistan government’s measures for industrial development in Gadani, improvement of the ship recycling sector, workers’ welfare and the promotion of a safe and environment-friendly working environment.

Workers’ health and safety a government priority

Mr Saleem said the Balochistan government was continuing to cooperate and coordinate with the relevant institutions and partners to develop the Gadani ship recycling sector as a hub of safe, environment-friendly and sustainable industrial activity.

He said the health, safety and welfare of workers in the ship recycling sector were among the government’s priorities. Attention was also being paid to improving infrastructure in Gadani, safe working conditions and the promotion of environment-friendly industrial practices.

According to him, cooperation with the ILO, technical assistance and the exchange of experience could help further strengthen occupational health and safety, workers’ rights and sustainable industrial practices in the Gadani ship recycling sector. He said the Balochistan government, together with the relevant institutions and partners, was taking steps to provide workers with a safe and dignified working environment in line with international standards.

Industrial activity at the yard reviewed

Mr Hiungbo reviewed the industrial activity under way at the yard and learnt about the working environment, health and safety, and other related matters concerning the workers there. During the visit, issues relating to safe and environment-friendly ship recycling practices, workers’ rights, occupational health and safety, and the promotion of industrial activity on a sustainable basis were reviewed.

Mir Zahoor Ahmed Buledi and Mr Saleem also toured the yard with the ILO director general. Mr Saleem described the visit as an important opportunity to further promote cooperation for safe, responsible and sustainable industrial development.

Photo: courtesy DGPR Balochistan