MAKKAH — The Makkah Region Development Authority (MRDA) has completed the two projects for shading the pedestrian passageways leading to the Mashaer Train stations and renovation of the barriers around the Jamarat Bridge, Saudi Press Agency reported. In a statement, the MRDA said the two projects will join the 11 projects that have been carried out in preparation for the Haj season this year and to facilitate the Haj rites for pilgrims. The authority confirmed that the directives of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, emir of Makkah Region, adviser to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and chairman of the authority and the Central Haj Committee, has stressed that the aspirations of the leadership must be achieved by harnessing all potentials to facilitate the pilgrims perform their rituals in ease and comfort. The statement added that aside from covering the walkways, the project includes setting up metal barriers with a specific height, ventilation, lighting and CCTV monitoring system surrounding the Jamarat structures. The metal barriers have been covered with fireproof PVC on a total area of 3,700 sq. meters. The material has been padded with 10 cm compressed sponge. The aim is to protect the pilgrims from the pressure in the area adjacent to the concrete basin surrounding the Jamarat structure during the stoning ritual at peak hours. Dr. Hashim Bin Abdulrahman Al-Faleh, adviser to the emir of Makkah Province and secretary general of the authority, said all the projects that have been carried out are ready for use in this year's Haj season. The statement said the project for covering the pedestrian passageways will contribute to protecting the pilgrims and those heading from the Mashaer Train station to the Jamarat Bridge from the hot sun and prevent them from exhaustion before starting the stoning of the Jamarat. The MRDA has carried out 11 projects for improving and developing some of the roads in Mina. The list also includes construction of 36,000 restrooms in the holy sites, expanding the western courtyard of the Jamarat structure, crowd management in the holy sites and facilitating matters for pilgrims wishing to climb the Mount of Mercy in Arafat.
