JEDDAH, 9 February 2003 — The government has implemented a major project in Arafat and Muzdalifa to protect pilgrims from possible flash floods during the Haj season, according to Haj Minister Iyad Madani.
He told Al-Riyadh Arabic newspaper that the first phase of the project was carried out at a cost of SR300 million. The second phase will start soon after this Haj season.
“The new floodwater drainage system for the holy sites is significant as Haj falls in the rainy season in the coming years,” the minister said.
The ministry has set up 27 centers at the holy sites to help stranded pilgrims reach their destinations.
“Some of these centers are located on the sides of the Grand Mosque,” Madani said. The minister said the government has expanded the rapid Haj transport system this year at a cost of over SR100 million to cover Southeast Asian pilgrims.
“We will transport about 500,000 pilgrims between Mina and Arafat this year on the rapid transport system, which was first introduced to the pilgrims from Turkey, Europe and America,” he added.
The new system will help reduce the number of buses, cut short waiting time and ensure smooth flow of pilgrims between the holy sites.
A special track on King Fahd Road in Mina has been allocated to help the elderly, women and the handicapped reach the Jamrat easily and quickly. This lane will be part of the rapid transport system, he said.
The minister said the ministry will not issue Haj visas to foreign tourist agencies until they make arrangements to provide housing and transportation for their pilgrims.
Madani said his ministry would continue its efforts to enhance Haj awareness among pilgrims. “This is a long-term program and cannot be completed within a specific period,” he said. The ministry organized a conference to formulate a Haj awareness campaign plan.
“The awareness program should be carried out in an effective manner, not by just distributing books and video cassettes. It should relate to the pilgrim who should understand its significance,” he said.
Madani disclosed plans to conduct a number of Haj awareness workshops in Islamic countries. The ministry will provide information and tools required for these workshops.
On complaints about discrepancies in distributing tents in Mina, he said his ministry was trying its best to accommodate the largest number of pilgrims in the limited available area. “We have reduced the area allocated for government departments in Mina,” he added.
Madani said the ministry was continuing its efforts in coordination with other agencies to end the habit of pilgrims squatting in public places.
