Environment & Energy | Monday 21 August, 2017 5:24 pm |

Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and National Water Company Chairman Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdul Mohsin Al-Fadhli announced that the water services sector is ready to welcome pilgrims from all over the world. The National Water Company is leading the water distribution project and issued directives to implement premium services for all Haj pilgrims to help them perform their Hajj rituals with ease.

Fadhli stated: "The company has worked in coordination with the Saline Water Conversion Corporation to provide water to Makkah and the holy sites.”

He added that the company has developed an integrated plan for emergency situations and identified alternative water sources. NWC will also implement an operational plan for water and environmental services in both Makkah and the Holy Sites that aim to provide enough water for Hajj pilgrims.

Fadhli thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul Aziz and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continuous efforts and interest in ensuring the comfort of pilgrims, including the delivery of quality water and environmental services.

Fadhli was speaking after his inspection tour of National Water Company facilities in Makkah and the Holy Sites. He was accompanied by His Excellency Ali Al-Hazmi, Governor of the Saline Water Conversion Corporation, Engineer Mohammed bin Saleh Al Ghamdi, CEO of the National Water Company’s Makkah branch, and a number of executives.

Fadhli also declared that the company’s facilities consisting of water laboratories, strategic and operational water tanks and reservoirs have been evaluated. Operational and control mechanisms through the SCADA system will regulate the water pressure in the networks and reservoirs at the Holy Sites in line with the preparations and standards set for the pilgrims.

Eng. Mohamed Bin Ahmad Al Mukli, CEO of National Water Company, said the company is working with all related sectors to facilitate its work.

He added that over 18 million cubic meters of water would be pumped by the National Water Company in Makkah and the Holy Sites during the pilgrimage season. Most of the 50,000 cubic meters of water needed daily for the toilets at the Grand Mosque in Makkah will be supplied by the stations of the Saline Water Conversion Corporation in Shaabiya in addition to an estimated 15,000 cubic meters daily from the Wadi Malakan Water Project. Four filling stations (Al-Ashab) will be used to refill water tanks over the Hajj season.

Al Mukli added that Fadhli’s visit was in line with royal directives to provide the best services for the annual Hajj pilgrimage and ensure the comfort of pilgrims from the moment they arrive until their departure home.