JEDDAH: The Ministry of Haj obliged domestic Haj companies to contract cleaning companies and cooperate with the Makkah municipality to maintain hygiene during the current Haj season.

Bandar Hajjar, minister of Haj, issued a circular to waste disposal companies and establishments before the beginning of the current season about the importance moving waste and preparing tents,

Waste should be placed in compressed boxes next to kitchens, in addition to moving waste and cleaning camps after the season. Drivers should be alerted not to drive on top of cement covers, and those who violate this regulation will bear the repair costs of any damage they cause.

The ministry pointed out that the Makkah municipality has contracted 15 companies to clean and move camps.

The Central Haj Committee received reports after the end of the last Haj season and monitored poor hygienic standards at the holy sites and stressed the importance of improving the situation this season. The municipality is drafting plans and a work program for the coming Haj season.

The plan will define responsibilities and tasks for each department, and everyone will be working from the moment pilgrims arrive until they leave for their countries. The municipality will take into consideration notes from the previous Haj season and new projects that are being implemented this year.

Employees and supervisors from the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, as well as other municipalities and secretariats, will take part in the implementation of the plan, in addition to university students, health institutes and boy scouts.

The municipality is expected to announce its plan for the coming Haj season during the next few days and mobilize all that is needed to support the work and programs of the municipality.