JEDDAH, 18 March 2003 — Plans are under way to develop the central region of Makkah to accommodate seven million pilgrims within the next few years, Al-Nadwah Arabic daily reported yesterday quoting Makkah Mayor Dr. Khaled Nuhas.
He also disclosed plans by his municipality to establish a number of major development projects in the central region for the benefit of Haj and Umrah pilgrims.
Addressing businessmen and investors in Makkah recently, the mayor said the new plans were designed to serve more than five million Haj pilgrims annually and two million Umrah pilgrims in a month.
“Very large projects are required to develop the central region and you will soon hear the Makkah Development Authority’s plans in this respect,” he told the gathering.
Nuhas said the Makkah Development Authority was weighing a number of plans and ideas including a proposal to keep the area around the Grand Mosque off limits to public vehicles.
Car parks will be established outside the central region and the pilgrims will be transported to the Haram area through a special public transport system.
“There is also a plan to reduce congestion in the central region and shift new investment projects to areas outside the region,” he pointed out.
Highlighting the congestion in the central region, the mayor said there are about 20,000 real estate owners in less than 120 square meters in the region.
The municipality ensures that new projects in the city do not affect the Zamzam water.
“The geological authority must certify that the new project does not affect the tracks of the Zamzam water,” he added.
In order to solve the parking problem in the city, he said real estate owners will be allowed to construct separate buildings for parking.
