Every day during the holy month of Ramadan, about 500 supervisors will oversee provision of 70,000 Iftar meals, in the courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque, to visitors of the Madina Haram. The meals must be prepared by cook shops licensed by Madina Region Mayoralty; preparers must spread carpets on the ground and distribute the food in a suitable fashion; the food should be distributed only one hour before the call for prayer; and juices should be served cold, officials have said. Firms providing meals must also contribute in collecting leftovers and garbage after Iftar and ensure that the passages are not blocked. Plastic sheets are spread in the eastern, western and northern courtyards, where food and bottled juice are distributed, to help keep the area clean and facilitate clean-up work. During the Iftar period, courtyard supervisors oversee the distribution of meals and ensure leftovers and garbage are taken care of immediately after the meals are finished. The Courtyards Administration deals with violators by issuing a notice and if the violation is repeated, an undertaking must be signed. Those who do not comply with the conditions are referred to authorities. Supervisors also focus on safety matters and overseeing the courtyards, passageways and gates of the Haram as well as the internal passages. They also supervise operation of cleaning equipment, facilitate the entry and exit of visitors, open the way for worshippers to reach the Haram gates, separate men and women, help those who are lost and follow up maintenance work and communication with related authorities. To ensure smooth, effective operations, a contract has been signed with a national security company to organize entry into the parking lots, collect tolls, streamline the flow of traffic, prevent parking on internal streets and protect toilets from abuse. The company also safeguards warehouses and services utilities, and combats improper conduct, in cooperation with authorities. __
