The Jeddah Municipality announced its intensified preparations for the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH, launching a comprehensive operational plan aimed at maintaining the city's cleanliness and enhancing the quality of services provided to residents and visitors, especially given the expected influx of Umrah pilgrims. The plan includes mobilizing more than 4,300 field and supervisory staff, supported by a fleet of 689 pieces of modern equipment and machinery.
General context: Jeddah, the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques, at the peak of the season
These efforts are particularly important given Jeddah's status as a major gateway to Mecca. During Ramadan, the peak of the Umrah season, the city experiences a significant population increase and a shift in daily behavior patterns. Social and religious activities intensify, especially in the evenings after Taraweeh prayers until Suhoor, naturally leading to a rise in waste generation. The municipality's plan is based on operational indicators and historical data that anticipate a 15% to 25% increase in waste volume compared to normal days, necessitating a proactive and organized response.
A flexible and well-structured operational plan
The municipality explained that the operational plan is designed to be flexible and adaptable to field changes. Work shifts have been distributed across three main periods to cover peak times: the period before Iftar (breaking the fast), after Taraweeh prayers, and the Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) period. This distribution aims to ensure rapid response and increase the efficiency of waste collection and transportation operations without affecting traffic flow or residents' comfort. Emergency plans have also been activated to address any sudden increases in waste or any other challenges that may arise.
Comprehensive coverage of vital sites
The plan covers the entire province, with a particular focus on areas experiencing high traffic during Ramadan. These areas include 965 mosques and prayer halls, 107 shopping malls, 30 walking trails, and 602 public parks. Additionally, the plan prioritizes the main roads and highways leading to Mecca, ensuring their cleanliness and readiness to serve pilgrims and facilitate their spiritual journey.
Importance and Impact: From Local Service to International Interface
The importance of this plan extends beyond the local dimension of improving the urban landscape and providing a healthy environment for Jeddah's residents; it encompasses regional and international dimensions as well. Providing high-quality municipal services reflects positively on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its ability to manage major religious seasons efficiently and professionally. These efforts align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enrich the experience of pilgrims and Umrah performers and provide them with the best possible services. The city's cleanliness and urban beauty directly contribute to enhancing the quality of life and leaving a lasting impression on the millions of visitors who come to the Kingdom from around the world.
Sustainability of environmental work
The municipality confirmed that the environmental treatment center will operate around the clock, with increased readiness of sanitary landfill cells and enhanced technical and supervisory staff to ensure the smooth reception and processing of incoming waste. Key services include mechanical and manual street sweeping, litter collection, collection and transportation of household and commercial waste, and addressing visual pollution, all to guarantee the highest standards of public hygiene throughout the holy month.
