Pilgrims pass by a huge water tank on way to Mina. — SPA MINA — Around 325 million liters of water, enough to fill 130 Olympic swimming pools, were used at the holy sites on the first day of Eid Al-Adha. Public water supplies provided 240 million liters of water to weary Haj pilgrims, while the slaughter houses and drinking water taps were supplied an additional 85 million liters of water. The National Water Company (NWC) spokesman, Engineer Abdullah Bin Ahmad Hasanein, said: “Water was available at drinking water sites and restrooms round the clock. NWC teams also ensured a constant supply of water to facilities such as firefighting hydrants and air-conditioning units in the tent city.” The Mina Operation and Maintenance Administration has provided NWC teams with vehicles, specialist equipment and hi-tech communications systems in order to monitor and maintain a constant supply of water. Authorities responsible for Haj, pilgrims' affairs and Tawafa Establishments will send reports electronically to the Joint Operations Unit. Bin Ahmad Hasanein said: “A specialist command will be kept on high alert for ruptures in water or sewage pipes.” A total of 113 engineering teams are monitoring water supply. Mina is stocked with multiple water tanks, which are constantly refilled by tanks located outside Mina. “If anything affects the water supply, engineering teams will be alerted at once to enable them to take the necessary steps as soon as possible,” Bin Ahmad Hasanein said. __
