KT Hero of 2020: Delivery men kept wheels of economy turning

Dubai - These seasoned professionals were an integral part of the frontline workers battling the pandemic.

Come rain or shine, delivery boys are always expected to bring your parcel on time in the UAE, where takeaways are a way of life.

However, the new normal kicked in in March, following the onset of the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak.

The heroes on wheels rose to the occasion with aplomb, which evoked awe and admiration among their discerning customers.

The delivery boys were an integral part of the frontline workers battling the pandemic.

These seasoned professionals adjusted to the new normal overnight and stuck to their task by delivering all essential commodities with clockwork precision.

They were unfazed by the pandemic and many did double shifts, as citizens and residents were confined to the safe environs of their homes for months on end amid the viral outbreak.

Delivery boys were exempt during restrictions enforced for weeks in a bid to contain the spread of the pandemic.

They were the lifeline for the country, as businesses — from grocery stores to meat and green vegetable vendors — depended on them for life uninterrupted.

The Covid-19 warriors turned up in their personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, as they took to the streets to deliver goods to customers’ doorsteps. They braved all odds from the sweltering summer heat to salary cuts as the economy was roiled by the contagion.

These frontline workers, who battled the Covid-19 pandemic, lived up to the motto that the show must go on while championing their clients’ cause without any fear or favour.

Harshit Desai, the managing director at Pravago Delivery Services LLC, reflected on the odds during the lockdown restrictions. “Our priority was to protect our employees and at the same time ensure that our operations were running seamlessly. PPE items such as face masks, hand sanitiser and gloves were instantly provided to our riders. They were given safety tips about the health hazards. We also gave our delivery crew the option to stay at home during the pandemic for their safety. However, they stepped up to the plate. They plunged themselves headlong on to the task at hand. They were resolute in their determination. They refused to abandon their customers in the latter’s hour of need. They overcame one of the worst times in the history of mankind. It is their courage and support that kept us afloat amid incredibly hard times,” Harshit recounted.

Imran Ahmed, a delivery boy and the lead rider Pravago Delivery Services LLC, dubbed his selfless act as the call to duty.

“This job is my lifeline, as it helps me to take care of my family. However, it was painful to see the public avoiding us like plague at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Initial pain gave away to sobering thoughts. Soon, I came to terms with the fact that fear was the key amid the contagion. I stuck to my brief and did the job in a dedicated manner,” Imran reminisced.

saman@khaleejtimes.com