NEVER under-estimate the power of the collective. When groups of like-minded individuals are on the same page, the sky is the limit in what can be achieved.
This was precisely what residents in a public housing project (PPR) in Lembah Subang have done, rolling up their collective sleeves and transformed the grubby and poorly-maintained lift lobbies into sparkling hotel-styled spaces.
Their efforts have caught the public’s imagination and their handiwork has gone viral with ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures highlighting the massive difference their efforts have made.
The residents revealed that the collaborative project is part of a cleanliness and cheerfulness competition organised by Think City under the Kita-untuk-Kita Programme.
According to the programme’s website, the initiative is co-developed with the World Bank to facilitate poverty alleviation and reverse the social, economic and physical decay in public housing schemes.
According to one resident who posted the pre- and post-renovation works on TikTok (@nsuzeila), a sum was collected to get the ball rolling. No minimum donation was required allowing each to contribute according to their means.
Many netizens were just simply wowed by the efforts as exemplified by the number of positive comments.
One netizen who had previously been to the residence remarked what a turnaround this appears to be given he was greeted by faeces inside the lift when he last visited.
Another commented that delivery riders will be wondering if they had stepped into a mystical world of bunian given the unrecognisable transformation.
Some joked that one should not be surprised if these “low-cost” dwellings suddenly experience a surge in pricing given the fancy makeovers.
While almost everyone was impressed by the residents’ handiwork in transforming the lobbies into shiny, glittering spaces, one netizen had a pertinent question – “who will be assigned to mop the floor?”
Let’s hope that these new spaces can be maintained and serve as inspiration for others. Homes, whether low, mid- or high-costs, should always be welcoming and that starts with a clean, sparkly exterior and common areas.
As highlighted by one commenter, it is NOT the place but the people who can make the difference through the power of unity.
FocusM tips its hat to the residents on a job well done! – Sept 30, 2024
