Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH - The lost children center in the Grand Mosque cannot handle the daily number of lost children and is located in a remote corner that is difficult to reach, Makkah daily reported.



The center is located on the third floor of Makkah Commercial Center, west of the Grand Mosque, and children feel scared in the center, especially if it is late, parents say.



Parents are complaining that they have to follow a maze of directions to reach the center, as it is the only center of its kind in the central area of Makkah.



The center receives large numbers of lost children, especially during the Ramadan and Haj seasons, and its location has been questioned.



It is only a few square meters in area and there are no signs around the central area to guide parents to the center to collect their lost children.



Parents have asked for different centers to be located around the Grand Mosque that will be easy to reach and provide comfort to the children. In addition, parents are asking for a free number to inquire about their lost children.



Spokesman for Makkah Social Affairs Ahmad Al-Ghamdi said the center was handed over to the pilgrims and Umrah charitable society, which is entrusted with ensuring it is well run.



He added that the expansion projects around the Grand Mosque have reduced available locations around the central area.