PETALING JAYA: Those running businesses along the Sungai Way basin were given a better understanding of the Sungai Way river rehabilitation project at a seminar presented by GAB Foundation and GEC.

The aim of the seminar was to engage and get the support of the business and commercial communities for the project.

GAB Foundation, GEC and officials from the Department of Drainage and Irrigation (JPS), Selangor Water Management Board (Luas), Selangor Department of Environment (DOE) and Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) highlighted how river rehabilitation efforts could increase the economic and aesthetic values of business properties as well as help better sanitation practices and improve living conditions and public health.

GAB Foundation chairman Tan Sri Saw Huat Lye said when the project began three years ago, the project partners engaged downstream residents from Desa Mentari, Desa Ria and Kampung Lindungan to help keep a 2.5km stretch of the river clean.

"Now we have extended our commitment and are engaging upstream residents from SS3 and SS9A who have also come onboard," he said.

GEC Coordinator for River Care programme Dr K. Kalithasan, said Sungai Way was a typical urban river with heavy pollution.

"Waste from residents and traders in its vicinity ended up in the river," he said.

But after two years of education and training, the downstream residents began to understand the importance of keeping the river clean.

Kalithasan said now residents voluntarily waded into the river to clear waste from rubbish traps placed there. They are also converting household garbage into compost.

"The upstream residents have also come onboard and are converting waste to garbage enzyme that can be used as biodegradable cleaning agents."

Sungai Way now thrives with 21 plant species growing on its banks, he added.

"An additional 79 species of flowering plants and shrubs are awaiting identification, while biological life, including dragonfly nympha and catfish are also thriving there," he said.

"This is an amazing success story. It not only generates new income streams for the residents, but also proves that much can be achieved when communities, NGOs, government agencies and corporations such as GAB come together for the greater good," he said.

Started in December 2007, the Sungai Way River Rehabilitation project is GAB Foundation's pilot project to help and support Sungai Way residential and commercial communities and support local authorities in their efforts to clean and rehabilitate the river.

The first-of-its-kind project successfully engaged various government agencies such as the MBPJ, JPS, Luas, DOE, Department of National Unity and Integration Fisheries Department, Alam Flora and Indah Water Konsortium together with upstream residents from SS3 and SS9A and downstream communities from Desa Mentari, Kampung Lindungan and Desa Ria.

The seminar is part of a community engagement programme under the GAB Foundation, Working Actively Through Education and Rehabilitation (Water) Project -- Sungai Way River Rehabilitation Project.