Relaunch of Putrajaya lake cruise in May

PUTRAJAYA: The cruise service at the Putrajaya lake is expected to be re-launched by May. Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) president Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat said work to deepen the lake is now 50 per cent complete.

"The work covers about a kilometre stretch of the lake. While the work is expected to complete next month, another month is needed to review the current cruise package which only covers a portion of the lake before boats have to make a U-turn as part of the lake is only three metres deep, which is too shallow for the boats.

"The other parts of the lake are at least 10 metres deep, which is deep enough for boats to navigate.

"The new cruise package will cover about 10km of the lake. We are hoping to offer something similar to the cruises in Paris and Shanghai, where visitors will learn about Putrajaya while enjoying the scenery during the cruise."

On a different matter, he said a few foreign missions were expected to move into a designated area in Precinct 15, Putrajaya.

"There are 66 lots in the Putrajaya Diplomatic Precinct. So far, only the Iraqi embassy has moved in. Several other embassies from the Middle East are expected to move in soon while others have expressed an interest in purchasing lots.

"They need some time to move from their embassy premises in city centre which is more convenient for them as most of the facilities like international schools are nearby.

"So, we have to look into providing such facilities here including an exclusive one-stop centre for their recreational needs. We are willing to accommodate them if they intend to develop their properties in the Diplomatic Precinct."

He was met after his presentation during the mayors' update session at the Greater KL and Smart Cities Summit held at Prince Hotel and Residence recently.

He said it was crucial to engage not only the residents, but also parent-teacher associations and civil servants through various programmes to give them a sense of ownership in Putrajaya.

"This year, we are focusing on the basic issues and infrastructure like parking facilities, to improve livability in Putrajaya," he said during his session in the summit.

-nst online.

www.cruisetasikputrajaya.com