MAKKAH, 3 July 2004 — Work started yesterday on the expansion of the Jamrat Bridge where faithful perform one of the main rituals of Haj.
The project involves the demolition of parts of the existing bridge to give way for a new larger structure to facilitate movement of pilgrims.
According to Dr. Habib Zain Al-Abideen, deputy minister of municipal and rural affairs, SR100 million has been allocated for the project.
The Jamrat area, on Mina plain, is where Muslims stone the devil during the annual pilgrimage.
A local company won the contract seven months before the start of the Haj season.
The project expands the three Jamrat basins where stones thrown by pilgrims should fall as well as the bridge leading to the site. Posts and concrete barriers will provide greater safety to pilgrims, according to Okaz daily.
The Jamrat basin will be expanded from its current circular shape to an oval to allow better access for the rite, he added.
The bridge is a notorious bottleneck and has been the scene of several stampedes which over the years killed and injured hundreds of people.
The expansion and development also covers the access routes for pilgrims. Currently pilgrims approach and leave the site by the same route.
The new structure will have an electronic system to direct and control the movement of pilgrims over the bridge.
There will also be a warning system for pilgrims in the tents spread across the plain if crowds at the site or on the access roads reach critical levels.
The company undertaking the project will train the employees in the operation and maintenance of the control and guidance systems and in directing movement under the bridge. There will also be emergency exits and parking areas for ambulances.
Zain Al-Abideen said the project would be completed on schedule two months before the start of Haj in mid-January next year.
He said further development of the site would be carried out if that becomes necessary.
