Muslim worshippers gather at the Prophet’s Mosque during the Muslim  holy fasting month of Ramadan on Friday in the Saudi holy city of Medina. (AFP)

MADINAH: The General Department of Cleaning and Furnishing at the Prophet’s Mosque collected more than 225 tons of waste from the mosque since the first day of Ramadan, with around 1,320 cleaners using 300 machines to keep the mosque clean.

The head of the department, Saud Al-Aufi, said cleaners work on keeping the Prophet’s Mosque clean for visitors and worshippers around the clock.

Some 1,320 male cleaners and 200 female cleaners participate in cleaning activities, which include cleaning the floors inside the mosque and surrounding areas, while around 45 tons of waste are picked up daily, he said.

“We maintain the cleanliness of the mosque and its carpets from dirt from shoes, odors and other waste,” he said. “Special bags to maintain shoes have been placed at the entrances, while 2,800 aluminum closets with shelves have been placed around the mosque, in addition to the pervious wooden shelves placed at the entrances,” he said.

Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Faleh, another official, said: “The General Presidency tasks more than 5,000 employees to maintain the cleanliness of the mosque and its courtyards, and roof during Ramadan.”

Source: ArabNews