“We met through our jobs, but now we’re more like sisters than co-workers.

We’re a group of GHMC sanitation workers assigned to the roads near Keesara Zone. Every morning, we wear these orange jackets, pick up our brooms, and set off to do our duty. Cleaning the streets, clearing waste, and keeping the area clean. We spend long hours together. Working, chatting, sharing meals, and sometimes even tears. That’s how this bond formed.

Most days, we don’t even get time off together. But if we ever do, we all want to go on a holiday somewhere by the beach. Maybe Vizag. Sit by the seashore, dip our feet in the water, feel the sea breeze, eat snacks, and take a break from our routine. That’s our small dream.

Till then, work comes first. It always has. No matter what the weather is or how tired we feel, we show up. Some people get annoyed thinking we’re blocking the road or slowing them down. But we just continue doing our work quietly. We’re proud of it. This city is ours too, and we want to keep it clean.

And when our kids talk about us to their friends or teachers and say, “My amma works for the city and keeps the roads clean,” with a big smile on their face, that’s enough for us. That makes us feel seen.

We’ve been through a lot, but we’ve stayed together. More than anything, we’re grateful for the friendship we’ve found in each other.”

— GHMC Workers, Keesara Zone