Makkah: After seven months of work, the contracting company implementing the Mataf and Haram expansion project will halt work next Monday anticipation huge crowds of visitors during the holy month of Ramadan.
The first phase of the expansion of the Mataf (circumambulation) area inside the Haram Mosque will not be completed until after Ramadan while the second phase will be finished only after Haj 2015.
During Ramadan, people with special needs as well as Umrah performers will be able to use the Mataf area on the first floor.
By 2015, the project will be fully implemented and the Mataf will double its current capacity.
With the completion of the project, the problem of crowding in the Mataf during peak times such as Ramadan and Haj will have been solved.
The holy city is already witnessing an influx of Umrah visitors with the approach of summer vacation and in the run-up to Ramadan.
The authorities have made all possible efforts to provide necessary services to facilitate Umrah pilgrims, and this has resulted in an increase in their numbers over the years.
The ongoing expansion work within the Grand Mosque and the removal of a number of buildings in its vicinity has not eased the crowding problem.
The central area of Makkah and its surrounding neighborhoods are crowded with visitors, and illegal residents have taken over street pavements.
Visitors have praised the expansion projects and the Saudi government's efforts to facilitate the pilgrimage, but are calling for a solution to the crowding problem.
Visitors' numbers have exceeded the Grand Mosque's capacity, especially with the ongoing Mataf (the circumambulation area) expansion work. Visitors believe that the only solution to the crowding problem is to limit the number of visitors from abroad until these projects are completed.
An Algerian visitor said he had great trouble performing Umrah due to the Mataf project. He suggested a reduction in the number of Umrah and Haj visas to cope with the current situation.
An Indian pilgrim believes the number of visitors this year has exceeded all previous numbers.
The Ministry of Haj, however, expects the number of visitors to increase. The normal increase in the number of visitors is 10 to 20 percent annually.
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