Retention basins to help mitigate flooding

Aaron Wong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

FIVE retention basins that hold rainwater from low-lying areas will be built in Tutong to help mitigate flooding, the Minister of Development told the Legislative Council (LegCo) yesterday.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman said the basins would be built at Kg Tanjong Maya, Bukit Kiulu, Kg Pak Meligi Padang, Kg Pemadang and Kg Bukit Sulang.

“One of the projects we are currently carrying out is to build retention basins that collect water during heavy rain from flooded low-lying areas – and will release this collected water to drains after water levels have receded,” he said at the 11th LegCo session.

The minister also mentioned upgrades to the country’s main drainage system, including current storm drains, as well as the construction of new concrete drains that would further improve overall drainage.

In Brunei-Muara, the minister said targeted areas for improved drainage include Jln Jerudong, Kg Ban Mulaut, Kg Selayun, Sengkurong, Kg Kasat, Putat, Beribi, Jln Kota Batu (Spg 248), Rimba, Sg Akar, Sg Berakas, Sg Hanching and Lumapas.

Tutong’s Lamunin, Kg Penanjong and Jln Tutong were listed by the minister, while Rataie, Bangar, and Senukoh in Temburong will also receive upgrades.

For Belait, drainage flowing out to the sea will be made for Lumut, Labi and Panaga.

The minister said maintenance work on the main drainage system is currently being contracted to companies on a term by term basis. The Public Works Department (PWD) is also monitoring drains beside roads in the country.

“Alhamdulillah, we have seen the effects of our projects – the reduction of flood-prone areas has gone from an estimated 208 to 108 square kilometres,” he said.

The minister also responded to the suggestion that residents living in flood-prone areas in the rural areas of Brunei be offered opportunities to be relocated.

“The offers have been made, but not many have accepted because flooding has become routine to them - they know their surrounding area - so when heavy rain comes, they are ready.

“Residents in rural areas who seek a move will be readied a place, and if suitable will be relocated based on the standard and location of the house,” YB Pehin Dato Hj Suyoi added.


Sumber - The Brunei Times