BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE issues of delayed projects managed by the Public Works Department of the Ministry of Developments were raised yesterday in the first meeting of the fifth session of Legislative Council (LegCo) Meeting.

An appointed Council Member, Dato Paduka Hj Puasa Orang Kaya Seri Pahlawan Tudin questioned about the delayed works on the widening of Sungai Tampoi and the Mulaut drainage system. In his opinion, the delays is one of the reasons the area was easily flooded. Dato Paduka Hj Puasa said the proposed drainage and widening of the river still wouldn't be able to support the flood water or heavy downpours.

"Has there been any research done on the works, and if so, do the relevant authorities know that they will not be able to handle the amount of water?" he asked.

Dato Paduka Hj Puasa also raised the issue of traffic and road safety at areas where works were being carried out.

He said at best the workers would only put up warning signs either exactly or just a few metres away from where they were working, especially around corners or on hill tops. This pose great danger to road users.

"Early warnings will enable road users to slow down and avoid unfortunate accidents," said Dato Paduka Hj Puasa.

He also raised an issue on the possibility of seeing a dual carriageway linking Telisai and Lumut as this would give more convenience and safety for road users in and around the area.

Villagers and residents throughout the country have applauded the efforts of the Ministry of Development for constructing the dual carriageways from Muara to Telisai and Lumut to Kuala Belait.

"It is about time that there is also a dual carriageway linking the gap between Telisai and Lumut," said Dato Paduka Hj Puasa.

In his response to the questions raised, the Minister of Development Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdullah Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar, on behalf of Public Works Department said that the ministry admits that there are several projects that have been delayed. "However it is due to circumstances beyond the ministry's control," he said.

The minister added that it is true that the proposed drainage will not be able to handle the flood water.

"This is because to handle the situation entirely a network of projects need to be carried out at the same time so that nothing overspills beyond each individual capacity to hold back the waters," said the minister.

These projects include the construction of dams around the area beginning from Sungai Tampoi and the rest, said the minister.

Responding to the second question, the minister said that hopefully, with the cooperation from the public, such incidences would be reported to the relevant authorities so that immediate actions to remedy the situation could be taken.

In his reply to the third question, Pehin Dato Hj Abdullah said that works to tender the projects are underway.

The Brunei Times