Makkah readies for Ramadan

The Makkah Municipality has all the necessary resources and services in place to ensure a healthy and safe environment for Umrah pilgrims during Ramadan.
This was the assurance Makkah Mayor Osama Al-Bar gave in an interview with Arab News recently. He expects an estimated 2.5 million foreigners to visit Makkah and Madinah during Ramadan this year.
Al-Bar said 8,500 workers including supervisors, drivers, sweepers and others would ensure the city is kept clean and free of diseases. A fleet of 350 garbage trucks and other equipment will be deployed around the clock.
A total of 170 pressurized garbage containers and 45 regular containers have been placed around the Grand Mosque to deal with garbage causing foul odors.
The municipality has appointed 13 teams to spray insecticides in pools of water across the city.
Al-Bar said there are strict measures in place to ensure the six abattoirs across the city are clean. Each abattoir has a furnace to burn animal waste.
Veterinarians at the slaughterhouses examine animals before and after slaughtering to ensure good meat is supplied to the market. Butchers are fined for failing to meet health standards, said Al-Bar.
He said all roads and the 55 tunnels are monitored to ensure smooth flow of traffic. The lighting system is also regularly checked.
He said six parking areas around the city have mosques, toilets and proper water supply.
Two teams consisting of 10 people each with vehicles and ambulances are ready to handle medical emergencies.
Al-Bar said it was an honor to serve visitors to the city, particularly during Ramadan. There are also offices available to deal speedily with any complaints, he said.