SHAH ALAM, 9 June: The success of South Korea in restoring the Cheonggyecheon River in Seoul was adapted by the Selangor government in the effort to give a new impetus to Sungai Klang.
The Chief Minister, Mohamed Azmin Ali, said that all local authorities involved played a role in the cleaning and upgrading of the river.
“Selangor is determined to start this effort at Sungai Klang and several districts in Selangor.
“To begin with, all local authorities that cross the Sungai Klang are asked to contribute to the cleaning and upgrading.
“The huge reserve is not to be saved, instead interpreted into development projects for the interests if the people,” he said.
He said this when speaking at the Selangor Government Departments’ Monthly Assembly at the Silver Jubilee Hall today.
At first, the Cheonggyecheon River in the old city of Seoul was badly polluted due to squatter settlements and dumping activities.
The 8.5 kilometre river had a facelift when the South Korean government determined to restore it through the Urban Renewal Project in 2003.
When it opened in 2005, it managed to draw the metropolitan residents of Seoul to relax and it became a tourist attraction.
“Korea’s success was due to the direct involvement of civil servants with the government that shared the same mission and vision to see the river as an economic and tourism resource.
“Government leaders, officers and state civil servants should take example of this success, not only in terms of technology and innovation, but the hard work,” he said.
Previously, the Selangor delegation headed by Mohamed Azmin visited Osaka, japan, and Seoul, Korea, to attract investment from the sectors of pharmaceutical, life sciences and green technology, in addition to promoting industrial areas in Selangor.
NS
