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• FOCUS @ green | January-February . 2025

Poor oversight and unclear accountability have contributed to the project ’ s continued failures

BY SHEILA ROZARIO

Despite an initial budget of RM4 billion and a projected completion date of 2020 , the project remains incomplete and has been marred by delays , cost overruns , and operational shortcomings .

FLAWED PLANNING AND EXECUTION

One of the principal challenges that compromised the ROL project was its defective initial planning . As stated by M . Ali , Chairman of Save Kuala Lumpur ( Save KL ), the project was destined for failure from the outset due to its restricted scope , concentrating solely on the segment of the river contained within the confines of Kuala Lumpur .

“ From the start itself , the ROL project was not expected to be a success in the opinion of several of us . Based on the plan then when the project was to cover only that portion of the river within the boundaries of WP KL , both upstream and downstream ,” said Ali .

“ How will the river understand that it has to limit itself within that particular stretch ? The project ’ s failure to address the entire river system , particularly areas outside the Federal Territory , compromised its potential effectiveness .

Ali highlighted the lack of collaboration between the federal government , Kuala Lumpur City Hall ( DBKL ), and the Selangor government . This absence of a unified approach prevented the project from addressing the full extent of the river ’ s needs .

“ Why wasn ’ t there an initiative taken by the then federal government to negotiate with the Selangor government to collaborate and make the project a success ?” he asks .

The result was a piecemeal

Dr Zaliha

Mumtaz Ali

effort that failed to account for the river ’ s natural flow beyond the city ’ s borders . Political differences restricted the project ’ s scope , a clear demonstration that it was fueled by self-focused and driven by personal goals .

This disjointed approach led to significant delays and a spiralling budget . Ali urged the government to hold those responsible accountable for the project ’ s failures , particularly the ballooning costs .

“ PMX must ensure those responsible for such failure to be accountable and censure them , if it is found there was negligence .” he asserted .

The lack of oversight and transparent accountability mechanisms has been a critical factor in the project ’ s inability to meet its objectives .

INADEQUATE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Another critical shortfall of the ROL project has been its failure to effectively engage the local communities that are most impacted by its development .

“ What engagement has the authorities had on this project directly with the affected population , especially those on the fringe

and proximity of the ROL Project ?

“ Have there been any series of open sessions from the start on an ongoing basis to update and share the progress and obtain feedback from the rakyat ?”

The absence of open forums or public consultations has left local communities in the dark about the project ’ s progress and intentions , diminishing public trust and participation .

Effective community engagement is a cornerstone of successful urban development projects . In the case of the ROL , meaningful dialogue with residents could have provided valuable insights and fostered a sense of ownership among those living along the riverbanks .

Ali asserts that the authorities missed a vital opportunity to build public support for the project , which could have contributed to its long-term success .

ENVIRONMENTAL AND ASSET MANAGEMENT CONCERNS

The project ’ s environmental impact has also been scrutinised . While 79.4 per cent of river beautification works have reportedly been completed , Ali raises concerns about the methods used , particularly the concretisation of riverbanks .

The use of concrete , while perhaps more cost-effective in the short term , disrupts the natural water absorption and release processes that are crucial for maintaining a healthy river ecosystem .

Furthermore , the project has encountered substantial challenges in the management and upkeep of its assets . Reports from the Auditor General indicate that numerous assets associated with the ROL initiative may now be irreparable .

“ Most of the assets might be beyond redemption , repairs , and restoration ,” Ali noted , pointing to the potential waste of public funds . This failure in asset management is emblematic of broader mismanagement issues that have plagued the project from the outset .

ECONOMIC POTENTIAL VS COMMUNITY WELFARE

The RoL project was initially conceived as a catalyst for economic growth , with plans to transform the riverfront into a hub for tourism and commercial activity . However , Ali stresses that the needs of local communities should take precedence over the project ’ s tourism-focused ambitions .

Ali references past flooding incidents , particularly in areas like Taman Sri Muda , where residents were forced to seek refuge on their rooftops during severe flooding events . He warns that focusing too heavily on tourism-driven development could exacerbate the vulnerability of local communities to future environmental disasters .

The emphasis , he argues , should be on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of those who live along the river rather than transforming the area into a tourist attraction at their expense .

TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

One of the most pressing issues surrounding the ROL project has been the lack of transparency in its execution . Ali pointed to concerns raised by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission ( MACC ) regarding the project ’ s procurement practices . In light of these concerns , Ali called for greater transparency in the ongoing works .

“ Why can ’ t the procurement processes and practices be uploaded in the DBKL and Federal Territories Department ’ s websites on a regular interval ?” he asked .

Such transparency , he believes , would allow the public to hold officials accountable for the project ’ s progress and expenditure .

GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR FUTURE SUCCESS

The River of Life project , once heralded as a transformative initiative for Kuala Lumpur , has instead become a symbol of missed opportunities , mismanagement , and political discord .

As Ali ’ s insights reveal , the project ’ s failures stem from a combination of poor planning , a lack of public engagement , environmental missteps , and insufficient transparency .

These lessons must be heeded to avoid further waste and ensure that future projects serve the environment and the communities they impact . The ROL project may yet be salvaged , but only with a renewed focus on accountability , sustainability , and the well-being of Kuala Lumpur ’ s residents . – @ green