MINA: The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, represented by Makkah municipality, removed more than 16,000 tonnes of waste from the holy sites during the Hajj season.
This averaged more than 200 tonnes a day as part of cleaning and sanitation efforts to maintain a healthy environment for pilgrims.
The ministry said the system relied on more than 88,000 cleaning units at the holy sites, supported by 123 waste compactors, 45,000 containers, 1,235 compacting bins, and more than 3,000 vehicles and machines used in field operations.
More than 22,000 workers, inspectors, and staff took part in the efforts. Environmental sanitation covered more than 46,000 locations in Makkah and the holy sites, including spraying, preventive treatment, and disinfection of high-density areas.
Field teams also quickly rehabilitated Mina after pilgrims moved to Arafat, ensuring uninterrupted municipal services and readiness for their return.
Algerian pilgrim Abdulrahman Bouzid said focused cleaning and waste removal at the holy sites eased movement despite heavy crowds, with waste cleared quickly and walkways kept unobstructed.
He said the visible presence of cleaning teams reflects efforts by Saudi authorities to maintain health and comfort for pilgrims, especially under high temperatures and dense crowds.
Bouzid added that shops provided food in good condition, including fresh snacks, cold drinks, and basic supplies for pilgrims during Hajj. He also noted that fruit and cold water were distributed free of charge by volunteers along routes between the holy sites.
The ministry’s field teams carried out rapid cleanup and restoration in Mina after more than 1.7 million pilgrims moved to Arafat, removing waste, washing sites, and preparing pathways for their return as part of continuous operational plans.
The ministry said operations were coordinated between cleaning teams, environmental sanitation units, and field monitoring rooms to ensure continuity of services and improve response efficiency at the holy sites.
It also recorded more than 38,000 inspection visits to catering kitchens, food establishments, and shops in Makkah and the holy sites, alongside testing more than 5,000 food samples through field and fixed laboratories to enhance food safety.
Inspections covered central markets, storage facilities, and catering sites, supported by field campaigns in high-density areas linked to pilgrim movement, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The food safety system operated through five mobile laboratories, 10 on-site testing devices, and about 40 inspection vehicles, enabling rapid verification and response.
The ministry said that no food poisoning cases have been recorded during Hajj so far, and that these efforts would continue throughout the Days of Tashreeq in Mina to ensure cleaning, sanitation, and health inspection services for pilgrims.
