Ali Gharsan Okaz/Saudi Gazette MAKKAH – 5,000 workers resumed work in the construction of Al-Ghazzah courtyards and in the completion of expansion of the northern courtyards after work had stopped during the holy month of Ramadan. Bulldozers started reappearing Saturday in the courtyards of the Central Area to complete the demolition of properties standing in the way of the expansions. Sources told Okaz/Saudi Gazette electricity will be cut off to 2,000 properties in six areas. The expropriated properties will be demolished to make way for train stations, public parks and for developing the New Haram Endowment (Waqf) at an initial cost of SR30 billion. A government committee comprising the Ministry of Finance, Makkah Governorate, Makkah Mayoralty, Ministry of Justice and two members from the private sector is working in estimating the properties in six areas after the Northern Courtyards Development Committee completes verifying ownership of the properties. The sources said the disconnection of services to these properties will occur in mid-Muharram. About 100 properties located in the area will remain standing until officials can locate the owners. Meanwhile, owners of five properties in the area have donated their land for the expansion of the Grand Mosque. The total value of the properties was estimated at SR100 million. One of the highlights of the projects is the construction of the widest pedestrian tunnel in the world. The tunnel will link Al-Aziziyah neighborhood with the second floor of Al-Jamarat Bridge. The 16-meter-wide tunnel will serve pilgrims who stay in Al-Aziziyah neighborhood and want to go to Al-Jamarat Bridge without having to pass through the center of Mina. The tunnel is 300 meters long. Another similar tunnel, which is expected to be finished soon, will allow 500,000 pilgrims to complete the pebble-throwing ritual at Al-Jamarat without having to pass through the center of Mina as well. Both tunnels will be in operation this Hajj season.
