Details of the cleaning plan for the Hajj season 1447 AH in Jeddah Municipality
The Jeddah Municipality has begun implementing its cleaning plan for the 1447 AH Hajj season , as part of its ongoing efforts to provide the best municipal services and a healthy and safe environment. These proactive measures are part of the municipality's early preparations to serve the pilgrims, enhance the quality of life, and ensure the safety and comfort of both residents and visitors. The plan also aims to quickly address any issues arising from the large influx of pilgrims into the city before their departure to the holy sites.
The strategic importance of Jeddah as the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques
Historically, Jeddah is known as the main gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and the first stop for millions of pilgrims arriving from around the world via air and sea ports, specifically through King Abdulaziz International Airport and Jeddah Islamic Port. This strategic geographical and religious location places a heightened responsibility on the relevant authorities to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and maintain the city's civilized appearance. Therefore, early preparations and the readiness of infrastructure and public facilities are crucial to creating a suitable spiritual atmosphere for pilgrims from the moment they arrive in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Details and stages of the cleaning plan for the Hajj season 1447 AH
To ensure the most efficient implementation of the Hajj season's cleaning plan , the Secretariat's Media Center revealed that the General Directorate of Cleaning Projects has mobilized a massive workforce of approximately 5,770 personnel, supported by 834 pieces of advanced equipment and machinery, to carry out the fieldwork. This comprehensive plan unfolds across three precise phases, commencing on the 20th of Dhu al-Qi'dah and continuing until the 26th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
The first phase, which extends until the 7th of Dhul-Hijjah, focuses on securing the necessary infrastructure and facilities. It includes intensive cleaning and maintenance of the main roads and stations leading to Mecca, as well as parking areas and pilgrim gathering points. The second phase begins on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah to coincide with the Eid holidays. This phase focuses on cleaning the Eid prayer areas, immediately removing slaughterhouse waste, and paying meticulous attention to the cleanliness of recreational areas, the waterfront, and the Corniche. This phase continues until the 15th of Dhul-Hijjah.
The third and final phase will then commence, aiming to fully restore the efficiency of the areas. This phase focuses on commercial markets, restaurants, various entertainment venues, and public parking areas, while intensifying efforts to collect litter and waste to ensure the city returns to normal as quickly as possible.
The expected impact of municipal preparedness locally and internationally
The importance of these preparations extends beyond the operational aspect, encompassing far-reaching impacts. Locally, these monumental efforts contribute to protecting public health and preventing the spread of epidemics, thus enhancing the quality of life for Jeddah's residents and visitors during peak season. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's success in managing these millions of pilgrims while maintaining the highest environmental hygiene standards reflects the Kingdom's distinguished image and leading position in crowd management and the organization of major events. This success directly translates into the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enrich the experience of pilgrims and facilitate the hosting of increasing numbers of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims annually.
Specialized emergency response teams
To ensure preparedness for any unforeseen circumstances, the official report explained that the plan includes the formation of specialized emergency teams in each contract area. These teams are equipped with modern equipment and trained personnel, ready for immediate action and rapid intervention to address and rectify any emergencies that may arise during the season. The Secretariat confirmed that these teams will operate on a shift system to cover time gaps and respond to reports from citizens and visitors around the clock, ensuring the highest levels of operational readiness throughout the Hajj period.
