DBKL wants private sector to make use of rejuvenated public spaces

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 25): Project Implementation and Building Maintenance Department Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) senior deputy director Norzaini Noordin wants to collaborate with the private sector to make use of the public spaces which have been refurbished and rejuvenated by the authorities.

In her presentation “Kuala Lumpur: The Road Not Taken” at the Veritas Lecture Series 12: People Property and Place – Reinvigorating the City through Community and Public Realm seminar, she said a lot of resources have been spent on projects such as the River of Life, but they have ended up being just photo booths for visitors and tourists, which is a massive waste.

"We did not look into the economic returns of it, to have activities there. DBKL cannot be the one that is responsible to generate income because we have worked very hard over the years to provide the infrastructure for you [the private sector]. So, it is now up to you. Could you come and see how you can turn the unused space that we have to become a wonderful space? Can you think about activities or have little kiosks so that people don't go there once, take a photo and then leave? Can you make proposals?" she asked.

She also said buildings such as Bangunan Abdul Samad which have been left dilapidated need both the private and public sectors to work together to bring them back to life.

"We also built community centres but all they are being used for now are majlis perkahwinan (wedding receptions). We do not have money to run programmes," said Norzaini.

Meanwhile, she also emphasised the importance of keeping the city clean as most taxpayers are not aware that a lot of money is spent by DBKL to keep the city spick-and-span.

"Do you know that RM1.4 million is spent every year just to maintain the cleanliness of the city? The rubbish we put on the trees such as banners, the City Hall boys have to work overtime during the night to clear the rubbish because during the day, the lorries [cannot stop] at the side of the road," she said

She also said public education is needed so that money is not unnecessarily spent to clean up after vandals who mess up the city.