THE GAB Foundation in collaboration with the Global Environment Centre (GEC) organised a seminar for business owners and operators situated along the Sungai Way basin.

The seminar was part of a community engagement programme under the GAB Foundation’s Working Actively Through Education and Rehabilitation (W.A.T.E.R) Project – Sungai Way River Rehabilitation Project.

The main objective of the Sungai Way Rehabilitation Project Business Partners’ Seminar was to provide businesses along the Sungai Way river basin a better understanding of the Sungai Way River Rehabilitation Project efforts. It is also to engage and cultivate support with business and commercial communities on the role they can play in this initiative.

At the seminar, GAB Foundation, GEC and senior 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) showcased how river rehabilitation efforts can increase the economic and aesthetic value of business properties as well as help better sanitation practices and improve living condition and public health.

GAB Foundation chairman Tan Sri Saw Huat Lye said: “This seminar is a significant milestone for the Sungai Way River Rehabilitation Project as it confirms Guinness Anchor Berhad’s (GAB) and its foundation’s commitment to the project.

“When we started this project three years ago, we initially 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.

“Therefore, I hope that by the end of today’s seminar, we will be able to garner the support of business communities operating along Sungai Way so that the communities will continue to enjoy sustainable and healthier living environment,” Tan Sri added.

GEC coordinator (River Care Programme) Dr K. Kalithasan, said the Sungai Way River was a typical urban river which is very polluted.

In this case, he said waste from residents and traders in the area ended up in the river. But after just two years of education and training, the downstream residents began to understand the importance of keeping the river clean.

Kalithasan, who has a PhD in Plant and Environment, said now, the residents voluntarily waded in the river to clear waste from rubbish traps placed there as part of the project.

“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,” he said.

But that is not all. the river now thrives with 21 plant species growing on its banks.

Another 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 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 project is GAB Foundation’s pilot programme to help and support Sungai Way residential and commercial communities and support local authorities in their efforts to clean and rehabilitate the river.

This project engaged various government agencies such as the MBPJ, JPS, LUAS, DOE, Department of National Unity and Integration (JPIN), Fisheries Department, Alam Flora and Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) together with upstream residents from SS3 and SS9A and downstream communities from Desa Mentari, Kampung Lindungan and Desa Ria.

So far, the foundation has channelled over RM500,000 towards this three-year project.

Funds channelled were used to conduct educational exercises and training sessions for the residents, business partners and GAB employees to educate them on recycling, composting, installation of rubbish and grease traps along the river and setting up a River Care Education Centre.

For more information on the GAB Foundation – W.A.T.E.R. Project, Sungai Way Rehabilitation Project, visit www.gabfoundation.org