By James Kon
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam showed his concern for people who have been affected in the Temburong District, following the flash floods that hit the Green Jewel February 9, by visiting some of the worst-hit areas yesterday.
Earlier, His Majesty presented land grants under the temporarily occupied land and resettlement scheme of Kampong Senukoh, Mukim Labu Temburong and presented donations to the flood victims.
His Majesty presented $486,000 in donations to 243 heads of families affected by the flash floods.
A cloudburst that lasted for a few hours turned many areas in the district into raging rivers that damaged 243 houses, eight schools, three mosques and six government buildings, leaving government and private property in ruin.
His Majesty visited many houses that were damaged by the floods and spoke to residents, who shared their concerns with the ruler.
Rosni Ahad, one of the recipients of the donations, expressed her thanks and blessings to His Majesty.
"We feel really relieved with the donation after our ordeal with the floods. During the floods, we lost most of the household items and we could only manage to save the TV from going under the fast rising water," she said.
Another recipient, Pengiran Hajah Mahani binti Pg Damit, also thanked His Majesty for the assistance.
Living in her house with a family of nine, she managed to save her grandchildren from the rising floodwater but lost most of her property.
Meanwhile, Dayang Lim Lay Eng, one of the recipients of the land grant under the temporarily occupied land and resettlement scheme of Kampong Senukoh, Mukim Labu Temburong also expressed her gratitude to His Majesty for providing a piece of land where she could settle down.
The businesswoman, who has been staying in Temburong since childhood, said, "I like the life in Temburong and was very happy to receive the news that I have been chosen as one of the recipients of the land grant."
Dayang Jinah Anak Esik, another recipient, said, "I waited for a long time to own a land and now my dream has come true, thanks to His Majesty."
Dayang Zaimah binti Salleh, who work in Standard Chartered Bank in Tutong District, also conveyed her heartfelt thanks to His Majesty for the land.
She said that she waited for 10 years for the land and was overjoyed when she received the news of allotment.
- Borneo Bulletin
(15th Feb 2008)
