Mataf expansion under construction

JEDDAH: ARAB NEWS/AL-EQTISADIAH
Sunday 14 July 2013

The authorities in Makkah have banned pilgrims from using wheelchairs on the mataf (the circumambulating area around the Kaaba) during peak hours.

Lt. Yahya bin Musaed Al-Zahrani, commander of the Makkah Grand Mosque security forces, said this is one of a number of measures this year to prevent congestion because of the expansion under way at the mosque.

He said wheelchair users must also move to the side of the mataf during less crowded times to allow for the free-flow of pilgrims around the Kaaba.

Outlining the security plan for Ramadan, he said that four extra exit doors would be opened at the Grand Mosque during peak hours. These gates would be around areas likely to see most congestion, including those leading to and from the area between Al-Safa and Al-Marwa. He said King Abdul Aziz and King Fahad gates are open at all times.

Al-Zahrani said security officers recently prevented a stampede close to the mataf. He said officials monitor movement inside the mosque using more than 700 cameras.

Al-Zahrani said pilgrims are not allowed to break their fast in areas where work is under way. These pilgrims are directed to the upper floors and external yards.

He said security guards implement instructions in a respectful manner.

Al-Zahrani said there is a separate security and crowd control plan for the last 10 days of Ramadan, the night of the 27th, and when the recitation of the Qur’an is completed. These plans will be implemented by the various security teams at the Grand Mosque.

He said there is a plan to stop pilgrims entering the mosque when it is filled to capacity. “If the mosque and surrounding areas are full, pilgrims will be kept outside to prevent overcrowding,” he said.

He said these new measures have been introduced because of the expansion work. The various security forces held workshops and meetings to deal with the situation. Discussions were held with the mosque’s administration, he said