NWC launches new system to provide water to Haj pilgrims

JEDDAH: The National Water Company (NWC) has announced plans to implement a new package of electronic applications for the first time during the upcoming Haj to manage and improve water provision to pilgrims.
The initiative is part of the “continuous efforts to develop its technical performance and improve the quality of water and environment services rendered to pilgrims,” the company announced recently.
It will be implemented for the first time in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah. “This system facilitates the management of water and environmental services networks and measures various systems through performance indicators. In addition, it provides accurate and timely information about pumping levels as well as smart readings,” it stated.
The company said that one of the most important electronic systems also implemented was the COMPAS system, which provides support functions for the management and follow up field activities performed by NWC maintenance teams at the holy sites.
“Smart appliances, wireless systems and quick response mechanisms will be used to handle complaints sent to the unified call center. This will ensure that the time between receipt of the complaint and assigning of maintenance teams will be kept to a minimum.”
The NWC confirmed it would send, in collaboration with local providers, 5 million SMSs in several languages to pilgrims. The messages advise pilgrims how to communicate with the company and the location of water and environmental services outlets.
The NWC previously launched an application for pilgrims on smartphones. Once they download the application, they can report any leakages or damages. The purpose of this application is to increase environmental awareness and economize water usage.
In addition, the application displays an updated map of the holy sites, toilets, important locations, and other services such as key phone numbers and religious supplications. The application also publishes awareness messages.
The NWC has invited all pilgrims to use its applications by downloading them on their smartphones. In addition, pilgrims can also access the COMPAS systems by calling the unified call center 8004411110 or visiting the NWC website www.nwc.com.sa.
These electronic systems are an addition to many other technical applications provided last season by the NWC to facilitate a direct connection to its business units and facilities.
The company previously provided the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system for monitoring its water networks by installing more than 1,000 water probes operating through modern communication appliances. This system was part of a commitment to apply best international practices and facilitate a switch to smart cities.
The purpose of this system is to support the efforts of work teams to analyze water levels and consumption and track pumped quantities of water in the network from a control room equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
“The company regularly provides its employees and field teams with many training courses on using the new technologies at the holy sites so they can provide the best services to pilgrims and achieve the best performance levels,” it stated.