Blue Pond of River of Life is the latest attraction in the city

 

River of Life (RoL) project was launched in the year 2011 and it is the Entry Point Project (EPP) under the Economic Transformation Program for Greater Kuala Lumpur - Klang Valley (NKEA Greater KL/KV), which aims to transform Gombak River and Klang River into a dynamic and liveable waterfront icon with economic and commercial value through river cleaning, beautification and land development.

The first phase of the beautification for Precint 7 river of the RoL involves historical sites like Dataran Merdeka, Jamek Mosque and Central Market which are at the confluence of the two rivers. As the latest attraction, a pedestrian bridge which would be built to link Jamek Mosque with the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Dataran Merdeka, cutting the travelling time by 50 percent.

The Blue Pond (Kolam Biru) --- new icon for Kuala Lumpur is the brainchild of the Prime Minister with the objective to optimise the potential of RoL as economic catalysts and to drive more visitors to the area. Blue Pond offers picturesque environment with the shower of colorful lights and spectacular water fountains accompanied by music.

 

The Blue Pond will bring positive impact to the economy with the development of new high technology infrastructures, hence creating more job opportunities to locals especially to the generation Y. The trees planted along the waterfront will bring balance to the ecosystem, while city dwellers can enjoy the river scenery with clean and fresh air.

The government is also creating a public outreach program to instil awareness among the society to take responsibility in making river as a lifeline with tremendous economic potential, a success. This move aims with the thought of making the river sustainable and eventually will create Klang River as one of the world’s leading tourism destination.

The RoL project is the latest bid from government in delivering Kuala Lumpur as a clean metropolis, green and liveable in par with its status as the capital city of Malaysia with support from all parties.

The Blue Pond of RoL was officiated by the Prime Minster, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on 28th August.

 

Sharing his experience on how the idea of the RoL came about, Najib said it was during a visit to Stockholm, Sweden, where he was impressed with the cleanliness of the surrounding environment and the river beautification projects in that country

"Imagine, even trouts can survive in the rivers there. We can also do it, it is not impossible if we can clean and conserve the eight rivers spanning 110km (a project) which is expected to be completed by 2020.

"It should be remembered, that this area (river) is the birthplace for everything which exists in Kuala Lumpur. It's so historic. This is why we need ROL," he said.

For more info on RoL, please visit http://riveroflife.com.my/