Makkah's water system prepared for Ramadan: Al-Abdulkarim inspects the system
As part of intensive preparations for the holy month of Ramadan, Engineer Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, President of the Saudi Water Authority, conducted a comprehensive field inspection tour to assess the readiness of the water system in Makkah and the Holy Sites. This tour aimed to ensure the reliability of the water supply and the sustainability of services provided to pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque, in line with expectations of increased demand and consumption during the holy month.
The importance of early preparation for peak seasons
This tour holds particular strategic importance given the immense religious significance of Mecca, which witnesses the arrival of millions of pilgrims and visitors during Ramadan. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its water sector, is harnessing all available resources to ensure sustainable water security in the holy cities, aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030 and the program for serving pilgrims. The Kingdom's water system is among the most advanced globally, relying on a vast infrastructure for desalination and water transmission to guarantee uninterrupted service during peak times.
Details of the field tour and infrastructure
Al-Abdulkarim's tour included inspecting the key components of the water supply chain, starting with the production and transmission systems at the Shu'aiba stations, which are the main artery supplying Makkah. He also reviewed the readiness of the strategic "Martyrs' Reservoir," which plays a pivotal role in supplying the Grand Mosque and its surrounding areas, thus enhancing water security in the central region.
The Chairman of the Authority reviewed the operational processes in the central control rooms and distribution network control centers of the National Water Company. Current performance indicators and seasonal demand management plans were examined, along with the real-time monitoring systems that allow for precise tracking of pumping, distribution, and pressure rates in the network, ensuring immediate intervention and addressing any emergencies.
Strategic transport routes and tunnels
The tour extended to include the Shu'aiba water conveyance system and its associated pumping stations, culminating at the Wadi Mahram tunnel and miqat. This route is a strategic artery supporting water supplies in the holy sites, having been engineered to accommodate high water flows and secure needs during peak seasons such as Ramadan and Hajj.
Integrating efforts with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
On the sidelines of the tour, Engineer Al-Abdulkarim held a coordination meeting with the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Abdul Fattah Mashat. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the Authority and the Ministry, and reviewed the latest preparations to ensure efficient performance and the provision of the best possible services to pilgrims. This coordination comes within the framework of joint government efforts to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims.
At the conclusion of his tour, Al-Abdulkarim stressed that the management of the Ramadan season is carried out according to a proactive methodology based on institutional integration and strict operational discipline, in implementation of the directives of the wise leadership - may God support it - which is always keen to provide all means of comfort to those visiting the Holy Mosque, and to ensure the continuity of water flow with the highest standards of quality and reliability.
