BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

KAMPONG Ayer residents can now hold sports and various events at the new multi-purpose hall and outdoor futsal arena at Kg Burong Pingai Ayer, following yesterday’s launch of the two facilities.

Brunei-Muara District Officer Hj Jamain Momin said the facilities, which are located next to each other, would act as catalysts toward more development in the water village.

“The multi-purpose hall in Kampong Ayer will not only beautify the village, but will also serve as an attraction to tourists visiting the country,” he said.

Kg Ayer residents too would be able to carry out sports and competitions as well as other outdoor activities in the village now that the construction has been completed, added the district officer.

He said aside from hosting ceremonies such as weddings, the hall could also be a platform to strengthen the roles of respective mukim and village consultative councils, and other associations by hosting meetings and briefings which are geared towards the interests of the residents.

“In the meantime, we hope that the villagers will make full use of these facilities and be equally responsible to maintain their safety and cleanliness,” said Hj Jamain.

In an interview with The Brunei Times, Village Chief of Kg Burong Pingai Ayer Abd Rahman Hj Umar expressed his gratitude for the new facilities.

He said prior to the hall being built, the villagers used to organise events in places which are less spacious and not suitable for ceremonial occasions.

“With the completion and the launching of the hall, now everyone would be able to carry out various events conveniently and comfortably,” said Abd Rahman, who is also the acting penghulu.

“And with the futsal arena being built here, I hope that it would also attract people living on land to come here and enliven the village more,” he added.

In a statement by the Brunei-Muara District Office, construction of the $378,478 was completed on May 20, 2013, while construction of the $99,700 futsal arena was completed on February 1, 2014.

Present to launch the facilities was Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman.

The Brunei Times