LOC12:42
09:42 GMT
JEDDAH, April 4 (KUNA) -- Constructions started in the project of expanding
the circling zone around holy Ka'ba to elevate its capacity by 130,000
pilgrims per hour instead of only 52,000, it was annoynced here Wednesday.
The project is launched upon the instructions of the Custodian of the Two
Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, including eight new ventures
in the courtyards of the Holy Mekka Mosque, like developing the toilets, and
construction of new courtyards, Okath Saudi daily reported today.
It would also include establishing roads network for vehicles, completely
separated from pedestrian walkways, besides pedestrian tunnels that meet all
standards of security and safety.
The expansion will start from the section between the gates of Al-Safah and
Al-Fateh, and constructions will start by a gradual removal of the Ottoman
Corridor.
The ground floor of the project opposite to Al-Fateh and Al-Omrah gates
will finish by (Sha'ban)-June, allowing 200,000 pilgrims to perform prayer.
The implement of this project would not affect the flow of pilgrims and
prayer performers during the next 75 days, the newspaper quoted a security
official as saying.
The expansion of King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz is considered the largest in
the history of the Two Holy Mosques, costing SR 40 billion (USD 10.6 billion),
and would allow the Holy Mekka Mosque to welcome two million prayer performers
at the same time. (end)
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