National Water Company: 12 projects worth 821 million riyals to serve pilgrims
Huge investments to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims
The National Water Company announced the completion of a package of vital projects in Mecca and the Holy Sites, at a total cost exceeding 821 million riyals. This step comes as part of the company's early preparations to serve pilgrims during the Hajj season, and included 12 capital and operational projects aimed at strengthening the infrastructure and raising the operational efficiency of water networks and environmental services.
Historical background and ongoing efforts
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places paramount importance on serving pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah, and considers providing water to pilgrims a historical legacy and an integral part of the honor of serving the guests of God. Over the ages, this service has evolved from individual initiatives to organized government projects, culminating in a comprehensive infrastructure system that is among the most advanced in the world. These projects align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the Hajj and Umrah experience and provide the highest quality services to the millions of Muslims who flock to the holy sites annually.
Project details and strategic objectives
The company explained that the projects aim to ensure the sustainability of water and environmental services in areas experiencing massive population density during the Hajj season. Capital projects included the implementation of new sewage lines and networks in Mina, with the goal of increasing the system's capacity and efficiently handling high loads. Water projects also included strengthening distribution networks and improving efficiency in the holy sites and neighborhoods of Mecca, to guarantee a continuous and high-quality water supply for all pilgrims in their accommodations and at the Hajj ritual sites.
Technological development for control and monitoring
On the operational side, the projects focused on upgrading the technical systems, expanding the installation of pressure monitoring and flow measurement devices, and developing valves and connecting them to SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems. These modern technologies enable the operations center to monitor network performance in real time, take proactive measures to address any emergencies, and improve operational pressure management during peak times, thus ensuring the continuity of water pumping and contributing to facilitating the performance of rituals for pilgrims with ease and peace of mind.
Expected impact at the local and international levels
The significance of these projects extends beyond the local level, reflecting the Kingdom's image on the international stage. Locally, they contribute to raising the quality of services provided to pilgrims, citizens, and residents of Mecca. Internationally, they underscore the Kingdom's logistical and engineering capabilities in managing one of the world's largest human gatherings efficiently and effectively. These investments also send a reassuring message to the Islamic world that the Kingdom is harnessing all its capabilities and resources to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims, reinforcing its position as the heart of the Islamic world and a leader in providing advanced services in the holy sites.
