BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

A FLOOD mitigation project worth over $16 million is expected to begin this month to reduce flooding in Seria.

Representatives from the Public Works Department and the project’s main contractor Ocean Quarry & Construction Sdn Bhd signed a contract yesterday at the Ministry of Development.

The $16,868,328.00 project is expected to be completed in 24 months.

Present to oversee the signing was Development Minister, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman.

PTC Associates was selected as specialist sub-contractor to conduct an Environment Impact Assessment with an Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan for the project.

Its design consultant is Othman & Associates and its M&E subcontractor is Hydrogreen Technology Sdn Bhd.

The project is expected to complete the Seria Flood mitigation project aimed at reducing the advent of major floods in Panaga and its surrounding areas.

These areas include schools, the police station and the Brunei Shell Petroleum headquarters building, including residential areas.

Its scope of work will cover the design and construction of two detention ponds to collect and store flood waters including bund walls and two flood pump stations to discharge water into the main rivers, especially during high tide.

An improvement of the existing drainage system is also expected to be included, in addition to the supply and installation of flood pumps along with accessories.

A public survey of the flood mitigation impact after the project’s completion will be carried out to gauge the effectiveness of the project.

The project is under the Skim Pencegahan Banjir Kawasan Panaga Seria (Panaga Seria Flood Mitigation Scheme) as part of the 10th National Development Plan.

Its objective is to reduce floods in flood-prone areas in the country, especially in the urban and residential locations.

Those living in close proximity to the project are advised to take extra precautions and follow safety signages for any roadwork to ensure overall safety.

For any queries or complaints, members of the public can contact the Darussalam Hotline at 123 or by emailing pro@pwd.gov.bn.

The Brunei Times