Makkah: The National Center for Waste Management (MWAN) has announced its operational readiness for the 1447 AH Hajj season through an integrated ecosystem of organizational, field, and operational measures. The initiative aims to enhance waste management efficiency in Makkah and the holy sites, while promoting environmental sustainability and improving services for pilgrims.
According to Saudi Press Agency, MWAN has initiated field operations in Makkah and the holy sites under an intensive seasonal plan through its monitoring and inspection teams. This plan is designed to ensure compliance with approved regulations and requirements, implement best operational and environmental practices, and enhance services provided to pilgrims.
MWAN has adopted the 'Standards and Technical Guidelines for Waste Management During Hajj Season' manual as part of its organizational readiness. This manual outlines technical and organizational requirements for waste management, establishing efficient methods for handling waste to reduce environmental and health impacts. It also includes model operational plans for waste management in the holy sites.
In coordination with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, MWAN has distributed the manual to Hajj service providers to ensure compliance within camps and towers in Mina. This effort is aimed at unifying operational procedures and enhancing environmental compliance efficiency following its successful pilot implementation during the previous season.
MWAN has also prepared an operational guide for seasonal licenses and activated electronic application services through the licensing platform on its official website as part of its efforts to strengthen organizational readiness and digital transformation. This initiative aims to facilitate procedures and improve operational readiness for facilities.
On the regulatory side, MWAN has intensified coordination with relevant authorities, including Holy Makkah Municipality, Madinah Region Municipality, the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Makkah Region.
The coordination has focused on enhancing readiness plans for managing hady and sacrificial animal waste and slaughterhouse waste, as well as reviewing the preparedness of safe waste disposal facilities during the Hajj season.
MWAN CEO Dr. Abdullah Al-Saba'i stated that the center operates through an integrated operational system in coordination with relevant authorities. He emphasized the importance of partnerships with the private sector and advancing digital transformation within the sector to strengthen environmental preparedness during Hajj and improve waste management efficiency in the holy sites.
MWAN's ongoing efforts aim to develop the waste management system and improve services provided to pilgrims and workers during the Hajj season, contributing to enhancing the pilgrim experience and achieving the sustainability and quality-of-life goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
