The National Water Company announced its operational readiness for the holy month of Ramadan in Madinah, through a comprehensive plan aimed at providing a continuous and reliable water supply to serve millions of visitors and worshippers at the Prophet's Mosque. The plan includes pumping massive quantities of water, exceeding 638,000 cubic meters daily, to ensure meeting the increased demand during this blessed month, which witnesses high population density.
General context and historical importance of serving the Two Holy Mosques
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places paramount importance on serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, a continuation of its historical role in caring for the holy sites. Madinah, the second holiest city in Islam, is a destination for millions of Muslims annually, with numbers peaking during the holy month of Ramadan. Providing essential services, especially water, is not merely a logistical necessity but an integral part of the duty of hospitality and serving the pilgrims. The Saudi government continuously invests in developing the water and sanitation infrastructure in Makkah and Madinah to ensure a comfortable and safe spiritual experience for visitors, in line with the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to increase capacity to accommodate more pilgrims and visitors.
Details of the National Water Company's operational plan
To ensure the efficient implementation of this ambitious plan, the National Water Company has assembled a specialized team of over 1,203 technical, administrative, and field personnel. These employees work around the clock to oversee pumping and distribution operations and monitor water quality. The operational plan includes several key components:
- Continuous pumping: Water is pumped 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to cover the Prophet’s Mosque and the central area surrounding it, in addition to all vital sites, hotels and residential areas that witness a large turnout.
- Smart monitoring technologies: 32 smart operating systems (SCADA) have been activated to monitor and measure water flows in the networks in real time, allowing for a rapid response to any emergency and ensuring stable pressures in the network.
- Water Quality Assurance: The company prioritizes water quality, conducting over 22 laboratory tests daily at pumping stations and various points within the network. These periodic tests aim to ensure that the water meets standard specifications and is safe for human consumption.
Expected impact and importance of the project
The importance of this operational plan extends far beyond simply providing water, positively impacting various aspects of life. Locally, the plan ensures the comfort and safety of the city's residents and visitors, and supports business continuity in the hospitality and religious tourism sectors. Internationally, the successful management of these massive operations reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leader in crowd management and providing advanced logistical services for pilgrims, leaving a positive impression on millions of visitors from around the world. These efforts underscore the National Water Company's commitment to providing exceptional and sustainable service, contributing to a comprehensive spiritual experience for visitors to the city of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
