IN THE interest of reducing instances of flooding in areas in the Tutong District, the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has been commissioning a number of flood mitigation projects under the 10th National Development Plan (RKN10).

With the projects still progressing towards better development, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, during his working visit to Tutong District yesterday, spent the afternoon taking a closer look at the progress of three projects.

After concluding a morning work visit, HRH oversaw the ‘Stabilisation of Sungai Tutong Estuary Phase 3’ project, accompanied by Acting Permanent Secretary (Professional and Technical) at the Ministry of Development, Haji Marzuke bin Haji Mohsin, and Acting Director-General of the Public Works Department (PWD), Chua Pheng Keong.

The project, which bears the objective of controlling coastal erosion, also aims to guarantee access through the area to fishermen who had been previously deprived of that privilege in times of low tide.

Immediately after, HRH the Crown Prince set off to inspect the Sungai Tutong Flood Management Scheme Project in Bukit Barun. Upon arrival, HRH was briefed on the progress of the project since its June 8, 2012 completion. The project currently covers areas in Kampong Bitudoh, Lamunin, Kuala Abang, Bukit Barun, Layung and other flood-prone zones.

At the $27.8 million ‘Water Treatment Plant, Raw Water Station, Water Storage Tank and Water Pump’ project, located at the Bukit Barun Water Plant, HRH was briefed by the Director of Water Services Department.

The project, now in Phase 7, is scheduled for completion next month and will be able to produce 60 litres of purified water per day.

Meanwhile, the ‘Supply and Installation of Sheathing Membrane Technology’ is a pilot study in acquiring new methods of appropriate water treatment in the country. This project amounts to $9.2 million in cost. - Borneo Bulletin (25 May 2014)