MAKKAH — Security authorities have installed new 14 surveillance cameras in Makkah and around the Grand Mosque to ensure the safety of pilgrims, residents and visitors, Makkah newspaper reported.
Head of Security Affairs and Supervisor of Crises and the Disaster Management Center in Makkah Saud Bin Jelwi said the center is fully equipped with technological and human resources.
“People can contact us via 911 to report a crisis. The center will be fully functional by Ramadan. Our employees are highly trained and our equipment use state-of-the-art technologies. The quality of our security facilities rival international standards,” said Bin Jelwi.
He also said the Commission for the Development of Makkah and the Holy Sites has reequipped 150 surveillance towers to monitor the flow of crowds in Makkah.
“The commission is working on several projects to be finished before the upcoming Haj season. The commission is installing parasols to protect pedestrians from sunlight and providing chairs to allow them to sit and rest. The commission has also set a limit of 300,00 pilgrims at a time to take Al-Mashaer Train to ensure that the compartments are not overcrowded,” said Bin Jelwi.
He also said the commission has set new regulations for crowd management and for the movement of pilgrims.
“There are more roads open to reaching the Jamarat area. There will be a new pedestrian bridge on Sidqi Street connecting the Jamarat area to Al-Aziziyah. The commission has also installed 1,000 cameras in Mina,” said Bin Jelwi.
