Filth engulfs Hajj Village

Although this year's organisation of the Hajj pilgrimage has gone smoothly, there are serious insanitary concerns at the Hajj Village in Accra.

Over 1000 Muslims waiting at the Hajj Village to catch a flight to Saudi Arabia are battling with limited facilities and unhygienic conditions.

Joy News' Reporter, Abena Oppong, who visited the village on Thursday, says when it is time to pray, the waiting pilgrims have to crowd in bathrooms for ablution.

She said there is so much congestion and stench in the bathrooms that some pilgrims who are unable to bear it have to come out and do their ablution in open places.

Despite warning by authorities from the Hajj directorate there is also open defecation just outside the fence of the village, Abena reported. Some pilgrims say they sometimes have to go to the residences nearby to plead with them to use their washrooms.

Deputy Communications Director of the 2013 Hajj Board, Mohammed Amin Lartey says although there are far more pilgrims than the facility at the village can hold, the situation is being addressed.

He indicated that the facilities at the village are strained because relatives of the pilgrims, who have come to see them off, have been staying with them - a situation they did not anticipate.