MAKKAH — Authorities and Haj establishments have been racing against time to prepare the holy sites for Haj pilgrims ensuring that they perform their rituals with ease and in comfort, Makkah daily reported. In Arafat, camps are being set up and prepared while huge air-conditioners are being installed in each camp, accommodating at least 800 pilgrims. Trees blocking entrance to the tents have been removed. Makkah daily met the contractor who said Arafat would be ready a week before millions of pilgrims will converge on the valley on the 9th of the lunar month of Dhul Hijjah (approximately Oct. 3). Shops are being set up all around the holy sites to provide pilgrims with all types of food and other essentials. A charitable restaurant, which offers free food to pilgrims every year, is under preparation as well. Government agencies have already prepared their facilities in the holy sites. This year, the Civil Defense will dispatch 15,200 officers all over the holy sites. Police have already started carrying out patrols at Al-Rahma Mountain, Nimrah Mosque and other sites in the vicinity of Arafat. Signs in different languages have been placed all over the holy sites, especially at Al-Jamarat Bridge. The Interior Ministry and the National Guard facilities in Mina have appeared to be up and running and prepared for the Haj season. Ministry personnel and vehicles are stationed at different locations. The Ministry of Haj facilities in Mina are almost ready while Red Crescent facilities will also be ready by next week, its officials said. New restrooms will be ready in two months, according to the contractor of the project. However, there are 200 restrooms in Arafat, which are ready for use. Some potholes created by rains over the past year have not yet been fixed or filled, posing a threat to passersby and drivers.
