MAKKAH, 28 January — Authorities in Makkah have completed arrangements to establish safety lockers at the Haram Mosque before the forthcoming Haj, according to Brig. Jasir Al-Assaf, commander of the security force at the mosque.
Speaking to Al-Madinah Arabic newspaper, he said the lockers would be set up at two locations this year on an experimental basis. This is for the first time the authorities are planning a facility for pilgrims keep their valuables safely at the Grand Mosque.
Al-Assaf said the lockers would be supervised by a number of security officers, who will record necessary information about pilgrims who keep their valuables there. The decision to install lockers at the mosque was taken by the Central Haj Committee five months ago.
Many people had proposed such a project in view of the difficulties pilgrims face in safekeeping their valuables once they leave their accommodation in the holy city.
Meanwhile, the Charitable Warehouse in Makkah would distribute more than 500,000 meals among pilgrims at the holy sites during this Haj season. It will also give away 500,000 bottles of drinking water, donated by a philanthropist, among the pilgrims, Al-Riyadh Arabic newspaper reported.
