THE Guinness Anchor Berhad (GAB) Foundation and the Global Environment Centre (GEC) recently organised a seminar for owners and operators of businesses situated along the Sungai Way river basin as part of its river rehabilitation initiative dubbed as Working Actively Through Education and Rehabilitation (WATER) project.

(from left) Selangor Water Management Authority
deputy director Nor Zamri Sondor, Global Environment
Centre manager Chee Tong Yiew, Saw, Business Council
for Sustainable Development Malaysia exco Datuk
Ghazali Yusoff and GAB Foundation management
director Renuka Indrarajah, at the seminar.

GAB Foundation chairman Tan Sri Saw Huat Lye said the seminar showcased the efforts of various groups in helping to clean the river, sustaining the project and simultaneously engaging participants on the roles they can play in the rehabilitation effort.

The seminar also showed how river rehabilitation efforts can increase the economic and aesthetic values of business properties located along it and improve sanitation and public health. Studies indicate that clean-up and habitat creation along the river banks have significantly helped increase the biodiversity and flora and fauna along the river.

Established by the foundation in 2007, WATER was its pilot project to help and support Sungai Way residential and commercial communities and support the local authority’s efforts to clean the river. A total RM500,000 was channelled to the project for training, education and the set up of a River Care Education.

Saw said GAB Foundation, will continue to identify and fund programmes that support local communities with environmental conservation, especially water conservation.

WATER is a collaborative effort between GAB Foundation, GEC, the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), Department of National Unity and Integration, Selangor Water Management Board, Selangor Department of Environment and Fisheries Department.

Also involved are the Drainage and Irrigation Department, Indah Water Konsortium, Alam Flora Berhad and residents of Desa Mentari, Kampung Lindungan, Desa Ria, SS3 and SS9A.