AG: River of Life’s river cleaning programme a mess

KUALA LUMPUR (August 6): Audit of the river water quality control projects under the River of Life (ROL) river cleaning programme has uncovered 13 Extension Of Time (EOT) applications being approved between 45 and 356 days, said the Auditor-General’s (AG) Report 2017 Series 1.

The NST reported that two EOT applications were approved on two contracts after the end of the contract, resulting in Time at Large.

The initial estimate by the consultant was significantly different from the actual operating cost of Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) Pasar Borong Kuala Lumpur. The planning of the project was found to be messy. 

The NST quoted the report: “DID and DBKL need to carefully plan projects to ensure they can be completed according to the time frame.

“DBKL also needs to review working procedure that is not suitable with regulations and ensure they comply with conditions listed in the contract.

“DBKL also needs to blacklist non-performing consultants who do not execute obligations that are required in the terms of appointment.”

The ROL programme comprises three development components. River Cleaning, River Beautification and Land Development with an allocation of RM4 billion. Launched in July 2011, it came under the Economic Transformation Programmed for “Greater Kuala Lumpur.”

The goal of the project is to transform areas of the city overlooking the Klang River, to increase their economic and commercial value.