JEDDAH, 6 January 2005 — Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed admitted that local authorities have been unsuccessful in their attempts to find a solution to the problem of squatting during the Haj season.
Thousands of pilgrims camp outside the sprawling tent city in Mina, and outside the Grand Mosque in Makkah using pavements, bridges and open grounds as shelter throughout Haj, eating and sleeping in the open.
Speaking after touring the holy sites and inspecting the facilities and services readied for Haj, Prince Abdul Majeed admitted that there is no quick solution to the chronic problem that the authorities have for years tried to overcome.
“The situation remains unchanged. We did not find a solution so far, but are working on the problem. God willing, a suitable solution would be found,” he said.
Twice a year the Kingdom has to grapple with the problem of squatters; first during the holy month of Ramadan when hundreds of thousands of Muslims come for Umrah (minor pilgrimage) and then during the annual pilgrimage to Makkah which this year falls in the second half of January.
During Ramadan last November, the Ministry of Haj had to move thousands of squatters who occupied the open grounds around the Holy Haram, to hotels in Makkah and held Umrah establishment accountable. Under Umrah rules, local agents are responsible for the accommodation and transport of pilgrims.
Prince Abdul Majeed said new projects have been implemented in Makkah and other holy sites to make Haj easier for the pilgrims.
Another problem facing the government is to ensure that pilgrims are transported from one place to another, he said. In Mina, expansion projects worth SR100 million were carried out this year.
“Transporting pilgrims remains an issue of concern. It is a process that requires strict monitoring and supervision. Some drivers just leave their buses causing delays to the pilgrims who are left stranded,” he said, adding that any one found negligent of their duty would be held accountable.
“The individuals entrusted with providing services to the pilgrims should take pride in the work they do,” he said.
Meanwhile, more than 20,000 security personnel have been deployed to keep order during Haj. Half of these would be responsible for organizing vehicular and pedestrian traffic in Makkah, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa and the other half to maintain order, especially at the Jamarat area where pilgrims throng to stone the devil in one of the main rituals of Haj.
Brig. Mansour Al-Turki, the Ministry of Interior spokesman, said he was not aware of any information on attempts to destabilize Haj.
“The main Haj plan is proceeding as usual without major changes and the officers and soldiers are fully aware of their duties and are ready for any eventuality,” he said.
