Project ‘unpopular’ among Kg Ayer folks

Aziz Idris

ONLY 60 out of the 135 families have agreed to proceed with the Phase Two of the revitalisation project for Kampong Ayer residents, as part of an initiative to revive the Bruneian heritage in the Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Development Master Plan.

This observation was made by Minister of Home Affairs, YB Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman on the final day of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Meeting yesterday.

The minister explained that the number showed that the project was not popular among residents.

He was doubtful whether this project should be continued or be allowed to be part of the master plan.

He said authorities must first clearly identify the benefits to the Kg Ayer community.

The Phase Two received an allocation of $26.33 million, involving 548 residents and 135 families – 129 families from Mukim Saba and six families from Kampong Peramu.

Apart from the construction of houses, the project also involves the building of an integrated connecting platform, an open area, an electric sub-station, a fire preventive system, sewerage system and water piping system.

The project is aimed at enhancing the cultural features and improving the development and structure of the Bruneian landmark.

The minister also noted several other projects within the BSB Development Master Plan, including the proposal to rebuild the existing 12 shop houses along Jalan Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, Bumiputera Commercial Trade Centre and two multi-storey car park buildings.

The unit shop houses are set to be revamped to ensure the properties along the road are “more attractive” for businesses and investors.

Open invitation for the proposal to invest, build and operate the units has been offered to interested parties and Request for Proposal (RFP) documents have been sent out.

To conclude, the minister painted the picture of Sg Kedayan promenade, which falls under Zone A of the eco-corridor project.

The Riverfront Eco-Corridor project under the BSB Development Master Plan received of a total of $40 million.

“The first stage will involve the demolishing of vacant houses, followed by other houses once occupants have been relocated to government-provided accommodation,” said the minister.


Sumber - Borneo Bulletin