Pilot Projects
The garden is also self-sustaining as volunteers breed composting earthworms to keep every plot fertile with the production of vermicast, an excellent organic fertiliser. To generate food for the worms, organic food waste from the members’ kitchens are deposited into compost bins built into every plot to encourage new recycling habits. The garden also provides capacity building opportunities; garden members meet every two weeks to discuss the operations and direction to be taken for the project, and a six-member committee attends to the cleanliness, security and administration of the garden. The garden is a testimony to a partnership between the community, the corporation and the government who worked together to make it possible. The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) provided advice, logistical and legal support in acquiring permission to use the land for the garden. Over 50 staff from Deloitte Malaysia did the initial clearing of the land as part of their CSR programme, while the PPR Rukun Tetangga provided the platform for the community to be involved in the setting up of the garden. NGO Friends of Kota Damansara co-ordinated the project, with Think City providing funding. This project has enabled all partners to recognise how working together is so essential for the sustainability of the project. It has encouraged MBPJ to rebrand its community garden with a new logo, identifying that behind project success lies a spirit of caring in all contributors.
PILOTING A COMMUNITY-BASED APPROACH TO A SAFER CITY
Understanding the importance of a safe city in urban regeneration, Think City and partners are piloting “Safe City”, an alternative approach to safety in downtown Kuala Lumpur, and one that emphasises greater community participation. This is a factor recognised by the United Nations in their Safer Cities initiative as “an essential part of effective crime prevention”. The key to the success of ‘safe city’ initiatives worldwide is their integrated approach combining environmental design, traditional policing strategies, community engagement, and better dialogue between stakeholders. An international report on crime prevention and community safety found that this “delivered results in terms of improving community safety and reinforcing the capacities of local actors.” Under the 2010 Malaysian Government Transformation Programme, local government has already ramped up measures to address crime through a combination of CCTVs, better street lighting, barriers, and increased security and police presence. Community-based programmes such as Rukun Tetangga and Neighbourhood Watch also received some attention. However, addressing safety and security in downtown KL brings unique challenges. Foremost is breaking the cycle of fear as fear of crime decreases people’s use of space, which in turn leads to fewer ‘eyes on the street’ and creates opportunities for crime. The area’s highly transient population also makes it difficult to engage with the community.
ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Having identified the key issues and their underlying causes, Think City is working with DBKL, local businesses, institutions, police and residents to establish a dedicated “Downtown KL Safe City Committee”. The committee will work together to deepen the understanding of safety concerns and devise and co-ordinate the implementation of an action plan. A study by the European Forum for Urban Safety outlined three citizen involvement strategies that could be used — space management, attitude modification, and prevention. Under Think City’s Safe City programme, this could take the form of a public information campaign, additional foot patrols, and the development of safe routes in the area. Efforts will also be made to activate public spaces through events and activities. “Addressing safety concerns is fundamental for our urban regeneration efforts in downtown KL,” said KL Programme Director Lee Jia Ping. “The approach needs to be able to tackle the reality of the situation on the ground, but equally important is making sure visitors and locals perceive the area as welcoming.” As with any pilot programme Think City will make a concerted effort to measure its impact. While safety and crime statistics will be an important indicator of the programme’s success, its true measure will be its contribution to the wider urban regeneration efforts. The lessons learnt will be applicable across the organisation and in communities around the country.
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