RIYADH, 28 May — In what is described as a unique project, a senior official in the Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced that wastewater in a Jeddah mosque has been successfully recycled for use in toilets, thus preventing its seepage into the ground and the resultant rise in the underground watertable.
This was disclosed to Arab News by Ahmad Al-Sabban, deputy minister for planning and development in the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, who declared the “Sanabel Al-Khair” Mosque project a success. Under the project being implemented by a Jeddah-based company, water used for ablution is collected and reused in the mosque’s toilets.
He said the pilot project is part of the ministry’s master plan for water conservation and use of solar energy in the Kingdom’s 42,000 registered mosques, mainly for heating water or for powering loudspeakers, water pumps, fans and vacuum cleaners. The breakeven will be after 15 years. “Our feasibility study shows that the project is viable, as it will save oil and prevent environmental pollution.”
The deputy minister said the master plan has been submitted to the Ministry of Finance and National Economy for budgetary allocation. When approved, the implementation will start with highly populated areas first. Asked about the cost of the project, he said each mosque with a capacity for accommodating 200 worshipers will need an estimated SR70,000.
While the government will be funding the project, it will also provide an opportunity for philanthropists and charitable-minded persons. They could earn continuous spiritual reward by pitching in with contributions. Al-Sabban said the ministry is updating specifications for mosques and the data will be made available to philanthropists.
Among the ministry’s other projects is one for training imams and moazins — numbering 82,000 — in computer basics. Also on the anvil is a Qur’an distance-learning program enabling people in any part of the world to learn Qur’an on the Internet.
Referring to the upcoming Islamic exhibition from June 5 through 14, the deputy minister said King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center will demonstrate how it is possible to conduct dawa program in a hospital. A total of 100 Umrah establishments will distribute tapes and booklets in English and other languages on Haj and Umrah rituals. Discounted fares will also be on offer.
