KL’S NEW WATERFRONT ICON
THE first phase of the River of Life (RoL) project and the launch of the new project known as Kolam Biru @ Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad has transformed the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers into a landmark waterfront destination in Kuala Lumpur.
Kolam Biru was mooted when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak visited the RoL project site at Masjid Jamek on Feb 20, in conjunction with renaming the mosque, previously known as Masjid Jamek.
The Prime Minister envisioned the river confluence to be a place of gathering and a new icon for Malaysia.
To make his vision a reality, EkoRiver Construction Sdn Bhd – a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ekovest Bhd – and its group of consultants and experts work came up with the design and concept.
EkoRiver was given 18 weeks to complete, test and commission the Kolam Biru project.
There are several components that come together to make the Kolam Biru project a highlight among the many tourist attractions that Kuala Lumpur has to offer.
Kolam Biru is equipped with a Dancing Symphony Fountain, the Blue Corridor, fog and lighting effects, and visitors can expect a stunning visual and sensory experience.
It will further enhance the focal point of the already historic Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, which stands as a grand backdrop to the fountain.
Kolam Biru is proudly a Malaysian product, locally designed and built by local experts, consultants and contractors.
The project also aims to educate locals on the importance of caring for the river.
The Blue Corridor serves as a water-touching experience and demonstrates how the water quality of the polluted water is turned into class IIB water by going through the interceptor system.
The newly refurbished walkway beside the two rivers also provides a surreal feeling with 1,551 nozzles fitted to create an atmospheric fog effect.
The team from EkoRiver Construction and Ekovest planned and executed the project; with the team working hard to solve the constraints, such as working in and around the river as well as working at a heritage area.
Kolam Biru was completed five days ahead of the 18-week timeline.
The Prime Minister, when launching the Kolam Biru, said the RoL project was an Entry Point Project under the Economic Transformation Programme aimed at increasing the liveability index of city folks.
“The project will bring great impact to Greater Klang Valley, in line with transforming the capital of Malaysia into a city on par with international standards,” said Najib.
“Our rivers are our heritage so I hope enforcement officers taking care of the Kolam Biru will carry out their duties and prevent people from throwing rubbish into the river,” he said at the launch held at the bridge in Leboh Pasar Besar, Kuala Lumpur.
The RoL project comprised three major components; river cleaning, river beautification as well as commercialisation and tourism.
“This will be an iconic attraction for tourists,” said Najib.
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