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Hong Kong heatwave pushes manual workers to spend more on water
A heatwave has lifted daytime temperatures to 32.0 degrees Celsius, with some workers saying daily spending on cold water has risen amid limited shade and higher prices at stores.
A heatwave hitting Hong Kong is driving manual workers to spend more to stay hydrated, according to SCMP Economy. In Causeway Bay, temperatures reached 32 degrees Celsius on a busy weekday morning, with workers buying chilled drinks and using damp towels or fans to cope.
SCMP Economy reports that a 29-year-old construction worker described buying at least HK$100 worth of water each day, saying it is costly and leaves little money after paying for survival needs in the heat. At some shops, the outlet said a one-litre bottle of cold water can cost as much as HK$20 for workers.
The report also describes impacts on indoor staff. A cleaner at a private estate said the summer conditions have felt more stifling than in past years, and limited ventilation left her low on energy and with a dry mouth after about 20 minutes of sweeping.