DIRTY and dingy lanes in Kuala Lumpur will soon be a thing of the past.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is collaborating with Think City to kick off its mission to transform alleys into clean, safe and functional spaces.

The pilot laneway improvement programme will start with the rejuvenation of the 100m-long Lorong Bandar 13.

It went through a six-week trial, where Think City created a sample of what it would look like in order to get feedback as well as engage with stakeholders to achieve a win-win situation.

At the ground-breaking ceremony, Think City programme director Dr Neil Khor said the project would cost RM300,000 and was expected to be completed in October.

“The lanes and alleys were selected based on their current condition, connectivity and potential for improvement. Ideally, we want to enhance the vibrancy of Kuala Lumpur through functional and creative spaces to facilitate pedestrian traffic, showcase good environmentally-friendly practices and deter bad habits.

“The problems in Lorong Bandar 13 include improper rubbish disposal, lack of lighting, washing activities, uneven pavement and potholes, among other things. The public started avoiding this area and it became a place for drug addicts and the homeless.

DBKL and Think City officers as well as Fong (fourth from right) at the ground- breaking ceremony of the project. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star

“We engaged with the businesses and property owners there to find solutions.

“For example, businesses that do washing of dishes outside their premises were given grants to improve their kitchen facilities and the waste collection schedule was improved to ensure that residents take out their rubbish only during collection time,” he said.

Dr Khor added that stakeholders were also empowered to take care of the back lane.

“For example, if there was a planters box, there must be someone who is going to water the plants.

“The community also developed guidelines on how to use and care for space. Their feedback led to the design brief for the detailed drawings by Linear Vista, the appointed architect for the project.

“We will start work on eight other lanes and alleys soon and it is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

“The rejuvenated lanes may even create job opportunities because there were interest by certain parties to set up kiosks, as pedestrians would use that lane for their daily commute,” he said.

Other alleys selected for the project include Lebuh Ampang, Lorong Hang Lekiu, Lorong Tun HS Lee north, Lorong Tun HS Lee south, Lorong Yap Ah Loy, Lorong Pudu, Lorong Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Lorong Hang Kasturi south.

DBKL project management executive director Datuk Mahadi Che Ngah said the initiative by Think City to revitalise unused space in the heart of the city was a good idea.

“More and more people are moving into the city. More open spaces are being used to build buildings to accommodate the rise in population.

“We cannot afford to waste available space.

“There are many such lanes in the city and if they can all be put to good use, it will greatly benefit the people. DBKL is always finding ways to make the city safe, sustainable and prosperous.

“These lanes may even become an attraction for local and international tourists.

He said DBKL will form a task force to manage the area.

Also present at the launch of the project was Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Loon.