Special zones for labour camps smack of segregation

BY LES HORTON
I can't get comfortable with the idea of special zones for labour camps, currently being considered by the Bahrain government.
It smacks somehow of a form of segregation, to house labourers in specific areas away from the rest of the community.
But if it means that camps are properly set up and maintained and the workers get cleaner, safer conditions to live in, then perhaps it is better than being forced into slum accommodation.
One reason being given for this plan is that families, Bahrainis in particular, have been complaining about the behaviour of large groups of Asian labourers housed in residential areas.
There are bound to be some cultural differences, but I am sure most of these problems would disappear if employers were not cramming so many workers together in often semi-derelict buildings not designed for the purpose.
The only reason that these camps exist in the first place is because it is cheaper to house large numbers of workers in dormitory-style accommodation, than to split them up into small groups in separate flats or villas.
These workers are paid a pittance that no Bahraini will work for and in many cases are even denied the most basic ammenities in their accommodation, while the owners of the construction companies that employ them live in luxury.
I can't help feel that Bahrain is being ungrateful to a workforce that has helped build the roads, houses, flats, schools, clinics and hospitals from which Bahrainis and others in the expatriate community benefit so greatly.
It seems we want their sweat and labour to create a modern, developed country, but we don't want them living amongst us.
Manama Municipal Council is even seeking a new law banning "bachelors" from living in certain areas, which is clearly aimed at poorer Asian workers, who are paid too little to bring their wives and families here.
I can't decide whether this is born of genuine community discomfort or concern, or out of arrogance on the part of those who think Asians are good enough to sweep their streets, but not to live in them.