The Pilgrim’s Accommodation Committee (PAC) in Makkah has issued permits for 5,101 buildings that can accommodate more than 1.4 million pilgrims, said its head, Zuhair Haddad.
PAC is still due to process about 500 applications although the last day to submit applications for permits was formally the last day of Ramadan.
“The administration has closed the door on applications after an extension period of 30 days. This was granted to give landlords the opportunity to obtain licenses for the buildings they intended to lease for the accommodation of pilgrims this Haj season,” said Haddad, adding that there were exceptions for new buildings, which would be ready before the season.
Haddad said his administration expected to receive applications for 20 to 30 new buildings to accommodate 70,000 pilgrims. “Inspection teams will check safety measures in the buildings and their compliance with the permits granted,” he said. He pointed out that these tours would start 35 days ahead of the Haj season.
Owners of buildings that are in violation of permits or rules have offered the premises at a 50-percent reduction compared to prevailing market prices. Still, customers were reluctant to rent them.
“The supervisory role of the teams contributed to this decline,” he added.
Haddad said his administration did not give licenses to popular facilities or any other facility that did not conform to architectural and construction requirements.
“The specifications stipulate that the buildings be constructed from reinforced concrete and that construction elements are in compliance with the specifications of the Kingdom’s construction system, floors and corridors made of new tiles and its walls and ceilings are intact and free of cracks,” said Haddad.
PAC issues permits for 5,101 buildings
