Saudi Arabia Bolsters Water Security for Pilgrims with Strategic Reserves in Makkah and Holy Sites
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – January 9, 2024 – In a significant step towards ensuring the continued comfort and well-being of the ever-growing number of pilgrims, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) announced the establishment of a substantial strategic water reserve of 4.4 million cubic meters in Makkah Al-Mukarramah and the Holy Sites. This initiative underscores the Ministry’s commitment to meeting the increasing water demands necessitated by the continuous growth in the number of visitors and worshippers.
The announcement was made by the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, who highlighted the strategic importance of this development. The substantial reserve is designed to proactively address the escalating water requirements, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply throughout the year, particularly during peak seasons like Hajj and Umrah.
This ambitious project reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure and services for pilgrims. By creating this significant strategic storage capacity, MEWA aims to achieve several critical objectives:
- Meeting Growing Demand: The continuous increase in the number of pilgrims undertaking Hajj and Umrah each year places a considerable strain on existing water resources. The 4.4 million cubic meter reserve provides a crucial buffer to meet these escalating demands, ensuring that no pilgrim experiences shortages.
- Enhancing Water Security: The strategic reserve acts as a vital component of Makkah and the Holy Sites’ overall water security strategy. It provides a contingency plan against potential disruptions and ensures the availability of water even under challenging circumstances.
- Supporting Sustainable Development: By investing in such large-scale infrastructure, the Ministry is aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives, which prioritize sustainable development and the enhancement of services for citizens and visitors alike.
- Improving Pilgrim Experience: Reliable access to clean and sufficient water is fundamental to the comfort and spiritual experience of pilgrims. This initiative directly contributes to a more seamless and pleasant journey for those visiting the holy cities.
The development of this strategic water reserve is a testament to the forward-thinking approach adopted by MEWA and the Saudi government. It demonstrates a proactive and well-planned strategy to accommodate the anticipated future growth in visitor numbers, ensuring that the spiritual heart of the Kingdom is equipped to welcome an ever-increasing stream of worshippers with the highest standards of service and care. This substantial investment in water infrastructure is a crucial step in solidifying Makkah and the Holy Sites’ capacity to host millions of guests with unwavering efficiency and hospitality.
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mewa.gov.sa published ‘نائب وزير “البيئة”: (4.4) مليون م3 خزن استراتيجي للمياه بمكة المكرمة والمشاعر المقدسة لمواكبة النمو المستمر لضيوف الرحمن’ at 2024-01-09 00:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.