The much dreaded ditch cleaning day

Twice a year, the neighborhood where I work at holds a ditch-cleaning day. Apparently, some people in this neighborhood still don't have running water, which means all the water other than sewage just drains into this ditch. So we have to clear out gunk and pour some chemicals bi-annualy. I really really dread these days. I gotta take off all the heavy metal coverings on the ditches, then squeeze in and scrub it. Are there bugs?! Ooooh, yes. I'm not a big fan of the bugs. This year, it was pouring 'til an hour before the start time, so every time I brushed against the bushes, I got wet. In the end, I was all wet and muddy and cold. And exhausted. Very very exhausted.
Although the whole cleaning ordeal isn't that pleasant, I am somewhat used to it from going around with my dad in my elementary school days, when he worked as a gardener. I don't mind this heavy physical labor type of thing, but it does bug me when the official start time is 7:30am but since most of the residents in this area are old, they get up and start at 6:30am or something.! WHY people, WHY??!! Can we start at the designated time please?!