The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs said that it will launch new projects to serve pilgrims during the Haj season.

These projects are a considerable addition to the huge projects that the ministry has been implementing for the last 20 years. The media office at the ministry said that the ministry succeeded in implementing several projects that will benefit pilgrims in record time, which are now fully commissioned and operational.

One such project is the construction of an additional 36,000 toilets in Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat. The project costs an estimated SR582 million.

“Toilets for the handicapped and for individuals with special needs have been built and are fully equipped. Support staff is available for housekeeping during the entire Haj season,” the office said.

The ministry also increased the number of personnel in field teams in order to deal with contingencies that may arise for elevators and belts as a result of heavy usage. More than 20 percent of the total number of pilgrims will benefit from these improvements and additions.

The ministry completed the connection project between Al-Aziziyyah with the second floor of the Jamrat (stone-throwing) area. This will add another 25 percent to the total number of the pilgrims using the facility.

This connected route will help take pressure off the first floor.

The ministry undertook another major project to connect the third floor of the Jamrat between Ash Shu’aibeen and Al-Mu’aisim, which cost SR570 million. The project involves several tunnels, roads and bridges through King Khalid Road.