PM launches 'River Of Life' project

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has launched the "River of Life" project, which is aimed at revitalising the Klang and Gombak rivers to turn them into vibrant and livable waterfronts with high economic value.

Najib said the project, an entry point project under the Greater KL/Klang Valley New Key Economic Areas, also sought to transform the rivers into iconic waterways, on par with those in the world's great cities.

"This initiative, categorically divided into three components -- river cleaning, river beautification, as well as river development -- will not only bring development to the local economy but also increase income," he said at the launch of the project here on Friday July 1.

He said along the river cleaning project, beautification works would also be carried out along the 10.7km stretch of the Klang and Gombak river corridor.

In terms of contribution to the gross national income (GNI), he said, the project was expected to contribute RM11.3 billion up to 2020, or RM1.4 billion, a year.

Meanwhile, Minister of Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing, Senator Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin, said tenders had been awarded for the cleaning project of the river.

He said the government has allocated RM4 billion for the project.

"Five master planners had submitted their proposals for the Master Planning Competititon under the river beautification component which was launched on Apr 12, 2011," he said. - Bernama