MAKKAH – Opening of the first level of the temporary circular bridge over the mataf (area for circumambulation around the Holy Kaaba) has been postponed until after Haj. It was announced earlier that the first level will be opened for the disabled and elderly pilgrims before the Haj. The delay is due to the unfinished work on emergency exits. Maj. Gen. Jameel Arbaeen, Director of Civil Defense in Makkah region, told Okaz/Saudi Gazette on Wednesday that the five-member scientific committee under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Institute for Haj Research recommended that the opening of the first level should be postponed to ensure safety of pilgrims as there is no time left before Haj to complete the construction of emergency exits. The committee comprises experts and officials from Makkah Governorate, Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, Civil Defense Department, Haram Security Command, and Umm Al-Qura University. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency, opened the top level of the bridge that connects the first floor of the mosque on July 25. The 12-meter-wide and 13-meter-high bridge can accommodate 1,700 wheelchairs in an hour.
