Sunday, September 17, 2017

MAKKAH – The management of water distribution in the holy sites this year was the most successful ever, according to Muhammad Al-Moukli, CEO of the National Water Company (NWC).

“Early and extensive preparations that covered all technical and electronic operations have helped in achieving this resounding success. We optimized the human and physical resources of the company and applied the highest standards to ensure the efficiency of water distribution networks in Makkah as well as the holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat,” Al-Moukli said.

Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, who is also the chairman of Central Haj Committee, has played a pivotal role in this success as he followed up on all operations constantly, Al-Moukli said.

The efficiency of technical and operational capabilities was enhanced while coordination with the Saline Water Conversion Corporation was increased to provide a very high quantity of water in a short time. The total reservoir capability at the holy sites reached 2.25 million cubic meters, he added.

Muhammad Al-Ghamdi, NWC director for Makkah Region, said around 30 million cubic meters of water was pumped to Makkah and the holy sites this Haj. The plan was to pump around 40 million cubic meters by the end of the season.

“We constantly monitor the pressure of water in the networks and ensure that all operations are run smoothly and dynamically to reduce any pressure on the water distribution network. Our smart laboratories are run by highly-qualified Saudis ,” Al-Ghamdi explained.

This Haj season, the increase in water pumped to Makkah compared to last year reached an average of 850,000 cubic meters a day. The quantity of water pumped to the holy sites increased 45 percent compared with last year. The rate of supply interruption decreased 22 percent in Makkah and 41 percent in the holy sites from last year. Similarly, sewer overflow in the holy sites dropped by 50 percent.

“One of the NWC's achievements this Haj was its success in optimizing the use water and keeping 75 percent of the strategic reservoir unused. Besides, no serious water supply interruption was reported, which means the network was working at full swing and with full efficiency without any glitch, thanks to the company's 3,500 staff,” he said.

Source: http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/517376/SAUDI-ARABIA/Haj