Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — A meeting of the Central Hajj Committee, chaired by Deputy Emir of Makkah Prince Saud bin Mishaal in Jeddah on Wednesday, discussed plans and preparations for the current Hajj season. The meeting also reviewed the progress of ongoing projects that will be operated during the Hajj season at the holy sites.

The meeting was held in line with the directives of Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Emir of Makkah and Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.

During the virtual meeting, the Saudi Water Authority presented its projects and operational trials conducted to date for water and wastewater services in the holy sites for this Hajj season. These efforts include the execution of 10 projects aimed at enhancing the capacity and efficiency of operational reservoirs, improving water supply networks in the holy sites, and adding around 3,500 new toilets in Mina. The authority’s preparations also include three operational trials for both water and sewage networks as well as fire extinguishing and cooling systems.

The committee further reviewed the progress of the Makkah Mayoralty’s projects concerning new waste compactors to be added in the holy sites. It discussed initiatives from the Ministry of Transport and Logistics to use flexible rubber asphalt and thermal insulation coating for routes to reduce temperatures and enhance the comfort of walking pilgrims.