The Sungei Way river is gradually coming back to life, thanks to the joint efforts of Guinness Anchor Berhad and various communities. VIMALA SENEVIRATNE is encouraged

SMALL, colourful butterflies flutter among the bushes on man-made islands or habitats in the middle or along the banks of the Sungei Way river while dragonflies dart along the upstream stretch.

Snails, longworms, flatworms, bloodworms, fish such as catfish and snakehead (haruan), herons and water fowls call the river their home. And along the riverbank, the angsana, asam jawa, neem, araceae and Indian mango thrive.

This urban river, once considered dead, is now able to sustain life. In fact, about 20 plant species have been identified, with close to 80 shrubs and flowering plants in the process of being identified. The river was previously classified Class IV under the Department of Environment as it was heavily polluted and unable to support any life form. But in less than 20 months, it has moved up to Class III (able to sustain life), thanks in part to Guinness Anchor Berhad (GAB) Foundation’s river restoration initiative and the joint efforts of the residential and business communities and local authorities to clean and rehabilitate the river. “This river is an example of how having the right attitude and mindset can make a difference. Everyone has a role to play to make sure our rivers are clean,” says Renuka Indrarajah, director of GAB Foundation Management Committee.

She takes us to various sites along the river which begins from SS1 and flows 2.5km through Sungei Way new town, Desa Mentari, Desa Ria and Kampung Lindungan before entering the Klang river. The area which the river flows through is mainly residential, commercial and industrial. There are 10 major drains leading to the river, which is concrete-channelised throughout.

“Sustaining the natural environment in and along the river ensures that it remains alive. This allows for greater biodiversity,” says Renuka.

“But people forget that rivers are ‘living entities’ and home to many freshwater species. Many rivers have been stripped of their natural environment and are very polluted. This is a cause for concern as more than 90 per cent of household water supply comes from rivers and streams.” Until three years ago, the Sungei Way river was in a bad shape. Squatters used an open wastewater sewer while residential, commercial and industrial owners used drains and rivers as solid and liquid waste disposal sites.

Realising the seriousness of the problem, the GAB Foundation through its Water (Working Actively Through Education And Rehabilitation) project together with the Global Environment Centre (an NGO which addresses key environmental issues) set up the Sungei Way River Rehabilitation project. The Water project committee decided that its pilot project for river rehabilitation should be in Sungei Way as that river ran through the location of GAB’s business. “It was crucial to educate people in the vicinity about the importance of water and why and how they should conserve its source so the rivers can become community assets,” says Renuka.

“Individuals should manage rubbish properly so it won’t end up in drains and rivers. They should also avoid pouring oil and grease down sinks and drains. The solution lies in their hands.” Talks and activities were held for residents, business owners and operators situated along the Sungei Way river. Officials from the Department of Drainage and Irrigation, Selangor Water Management Board, Selangor Department of Environment and Petaling Jaya City Council were roped in to highlight how river rehabilitation efforts could increase the economic and aesthetic values of business properties and boost sanitation practices and improve living conditions and public health. Some of the activities included workshops and training on recycling and reusing water, water quality monitoring exercises and composting household waste materials. These were aimed at changing people’s mindset towards a cleaner river and environment. GEC co-ordinator (river care programme) Dr K. Kalithasan says the communities along the river basin — SS3, SS9A, Desa Mentari, Desa Ria and Kampung Lindungan — did not hesitate to take up the shovel, wade into the river and scoop up the garbage from rubbish traps. They built habitats or islands along the riverbank and in the river in hopes that birds, insects, butterflies, snails and other creatures would eventually make it their home. In less than two years, they learnt to discard their old habits. They placed household garbage into the garbage bin. Oil and grease were collected in bottled plastic and placed at collection centres in the area.

“What’s heartening is that many residents in the downstream area (Desa Ria, Desa Mentari and Kampung Lindungan) are learning to convert household garbage into compost. Even the upstream residents are converting household waste into garbage enzyme, which can be used as bio-degradable cleaning agents,” says Kalithasan, who believes that making a difference can be as simple as putting into practice the 3Rs — reduce, recycle and reuse.

In Desa Ria, a temporary resource and support centre has been set up to help residents learn more about conservation and how to keep the rivers pollution-free. It has reading material and a river test equipment to test the water quality. A permanent centre is now being built a stone’s throw away. Beside the resource centre is a recycling and composting centre for the local community to recycle their household waste products. “Much can be achieved when communities, NGOs, government agencies and corporations such as GAB come together for the greater good,” says Kalithasan.

To date, the GAB Foundation has channelled about RM550,000 for this three-year project. At the end of the project, a working model of community participation in river management will be developed. “The Water project committee intends to use this as a blueprint for river rehabilitation in other river basins nationwide,” says Renuka.

Read more: Green: Breathing life into ‘dead’ river http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/Green_Breathinglifeinto__8216_dead__8217_river/Article/#ixzz1ADtScVLj