Environment & Energy | Wednesday 1 July, 2015 2:32 pm |

Preceded by early preparations and continuous enhancement projects, NWC is applying new operational services to raise the quality of provided services for pilgrims.

NWC assured that all preparations has been finalized for controlling water and environment services in Makkah and the Holy Shrines through a sustainable system of services. This will incorporate the best operational standards ahead of the Hajj season this year.

NWC declared that this year’s plan included the preparation of an organizational structure comprising specialized teams of engineers, supervisors, and highly trained workers. Also, the plan includes the investment of resources and training courses to implement the best quality standards, in addition to a seasonal plan for supporting operational works during crisis management.

NWC explained that it is coordinating with all concerned authorities in support of ongoing efforts during the Hajj season. All its efforts are supported by HRH Prince Khalid Al Faisal, consultant to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Emir of Makkah and the chief of Central Hajj Committee. HE the Minister of Water and Electricity, Chairman of the NWC Board of Directors and Board Members are monitoring and guiding these efforts, in addition to maintaining direct and active coordination with the SWCC.

NWC added that it is directing all operation and maintenance works of drinking water, air-conditioning, firefighting and sewage systems (networks, tanks, pumping stations etc.). Also, the NWC provides the services of about 3,000 toilet complexes for pilgrims in each season in all Holy Shrines (Arafat, Mina, Muzdalifah). The company uses up-to-date IT technology for monitoring and managing operation and maintenance works. The SKAA control system is used to control the 425 km long water network. Special equipment is used for monitoring water pressure and water levels in tanks and to follow up the 84 km long sewage networks in Mina. The SKADA system was linked to a maintenance control room working 24/7 during the Hajj season to provide the best water and environment services in Makkah and the Holy Shrines.

NWC said that it has executed many development projects such as the installation of remote water quality test equipment, CCTV inspection systems for testing sewage networks and its Intelligent Lab System for sending electronic signals and readings to operation and maintenance teams for quick action. In addition, NWC has special programs for testing water quality in the Holy Shrines using stationary and mobile labs and equipment for monitoring water quality inside the networks.

As part of the efforts of the King Abdullah Project for Zamzam Water, NWC stated that every year during the Hajj season more than 2.4 million water packs are distributed. NWC doubled the number of its employees to man the sale and distribution points of Zamzam water. This was done as part of its responsibility as Project Supervisor. It assured that the strategic storage of the project provides more than 1.5 million 10-liter packs, taking into consideration the continuous increase in demand for the blessed water.