Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is all out to transform Kuala Lumpur's image into a world-class city with its dwellers enjoying good infrastructure and living standards at par with the other great cities of the world.
The Datuk Bandar of Kuala Lumpur Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail noted that the transformed Kuala Lumpur would be seen as the dynamic commercial and financial hub of the nation with the whole city exuding the 'Malaysia Truly Asia' identity.
At the same time the city will offer a comprehensive living concept making it the perfect place to work, play and unwind.
It is estimated that there are at least 2.7 million people in Kuala Lumpur; the number includes those who commute daily from outside to work in the city or make a stopover.
Nonetheless, KLites will ponder whether this new image of Kuala Lumpur is just another hogwash ideals of the town planners detached from the present realities, especially when looking at the many woes faced by the city today.
But for Ahmad Fuad, he is optimistic that transforming Kuala Lumpur is not a tall order. He believes the vision for the city can be achieved by keeping up with the goals that have already been set.
GETTING TO WORK
During a special interview with Bernama here recently, Ahmad Fuad stated that the transformation would also include more effective enforcement of the by-laws and policies beginning from within DBKL.
A world class Kuala Lumpur has no room for either squatter colonies or illegal car parks and this is where strict enforcement comes into play, he pointed out.
Ahmad Fuad who was appointed as the Datuk Bandar on Dec 14, 2008, is going all out to improve the city's administration by taking into account all public views and problems in line with the government's stand that the people come first.
He noted that efforts to green the city deepen Sungai Gombak and enhance the surrounding landscape, and the proposed two retention ponds to alleviate flash floods are among the priorities.
On traffic jams, he noted that DBKL is looking into the possibility of introducing the "Park & Ride" concept for vehicle owners to reduce traffic snarls at the Klang Valley.
THE PARK & RIDE CONCEPT
He said the system has been proven effective in several other nations and is currently being studied by DBKL.
"Park & Ride basically calls for people to park their cars at any nearby Light Rail Transit (LRT) station and use the LRT to proceed to their respective destination.
"Each day, almost one million vehicles enter the nation's capital and therefore traffic jams are unavoidable regardless of peak or non peak periods. Therefore it is timely we introduce such new steps," he added.
However, Ahmad Fuad is aware of the many setbacks suffered by the members of public in using public transportation modes like the LRT to get to work due to the limited passenger capacity and rail networks.
CCTV TO MONITOR TRAFFIC CONGESTION
He added that DBKL is also utilising closed circuit cameras (CCTVs) to monitor traffic congestion, through the Integrated Transport Information System (Itis) in Bukit Jalil that provides information to road users so that they can plan their routes during peak and off peak periods.
He noted that, until now DBKL has installed 1,100 CCTVs under the Itis System with 66 of it being used to monitor traffic flow in the city.
"DBKL is also planning to increase from 85 to 96 the number of CCTVs monitored by police in busy areas, shopping complexes and places where tourists congregate," he said.
He pointed out there are 49 locations within the city under police CCTV surveillance including in Brickfields and Cheras.
"DBKL finds that the CCTV helps in bringing down crime especially snatch thefts in high risk areas.
BRINGING DOWN CRIME RATES
Ahmad Fuad explained that DBKL is always in communication with the police in seeking alternatives to reduce crime.
"We always consider other options in reducing crime, crime blemishes the nation's image," he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Fuad and all members of DBKL welcome the appointment of Senator Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin as the new Federal Territories Minister.
"We welcome the appointment and hope he (Raja Nong) can continue with the outlined agenda apart from embarking on the transformation sought by the city dwellers."
He hoped that under the new leadership some of the long standing problems like the one relating to solid waste disposal could be overcome.
A WORLD CLASS CITY
"DBKL spends RM140 million annually to enable Alam Flora Sdn Bhd (Alam Flora) collect and dispose rubbish and solid wastes at the 252 licensed disposal sites," he said.
Most of the hawkers discard waste into drains, which in turn causes blockages and there are even some who cover the drains to widen their work area, said Ahmad Fuad.
He also pointed out that the drainage system in Kuala Lumpur covers 5,300 kilometers and Alam Flora has began efforts to clean up the drains since more than a month ago and the whole campaign is expected to be completed within two months.
"The public too should cooperate to overcome this problem by settling their monthly dues for rubbish and solid waste collection.
"There are some who choose to default on their payments and litter everywhere, this is the mentality that we have to do away if we are to see Kuala Lumpur emerge as a world class city," he added.
Apart from that, DBKL too has spent a considerable sum in improving the road system around the capital city, introduce walking pavements and make the facilities more disabled friendly.
Source: Bernama 6 May 2009
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment