Under the 11th National Development Plan (RKN), the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam constructed 21 reservoirs in flood-prone areas at a cost of BND80 million. These include 10 reservoirs in Brunei-Muara District, five in Tutong District, five in Belait District and one in Temburong District.
Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid highlighted these efforts in response to queries from Legislative Council (LegCo) members Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Suyoi bin Haji Osman and Yang Berhormat Zainol bin Haji Mohamed.
The minister emphasised that the detention ponds have significantly reduced flooding in nine previously affected areas, including Kampong Selayun, which no longer experiences floods. Despite these improvements, heavy rainfall in December 2024 and January this year caused flooding in some regions, highlighting the need for continued enhancements. Under the 12th RKN, several new projects are in progress.
BELAIT DISTRICT DRAINAGE PROJECTS
Four major projects are in the design phase, including the construction of main drainage to a pump station in Kampong Sungai Bera in Seria and improvements to the drainage system.
The projects are set for tender by March this year.
TUTONG DISTRICT EXPANSION
Upgrading of the detentin capacity and expansion of the Kuala Abang detention pond, with tenders opened in January.
New flood prevention schemes for Pekan Tutong, Kampong Keriam, and Bukit Bendera, including a drainage system, detention pond and sluice gate.
BRUNEI-MUARA DRAINAGE PROJECTS
Kampong Pasai and Mulaut Flood Management Projects Phase I are in the design stage.
Drainage upgrading in Jerudong Phase I has begun, with Phase II scheduled for 2025. Additional drainage improvements in Kampong Lambak Kiri, Jalan Pasir Berakas, Kampong Sungai Akar and Kampong Sungai Buloh.
Sungai Kedayan Mitigation Project Phase 6 in Kampong Pengkalan Gadong is in the planning stage. Upgrades to the Jalan Jerambak Berakas Pump Station for better flood control.
RIVER DREDGING AND WIDENING
Ongoing works include Sungai Kedayan, Sungai Brunei and Sungai Damuan under RKN11. Expansion efforts in Sungai Pepakan, Sungai Telamba and Sungai Kelakas under RKN12.
Phase I of Sungai Tutong’s second outlet project will open for tender in May.
Meanwhile, Sungai Temburong drainage upgrade for Pekan Bangar is also set for tender in May.
RESEARCH AND FUTURE PLANNING
The National Saliran Master Plan and flood studies for Sungai Belait and Sungai Temburong will be conducted under RKN12. A coastal protection study is being launched to address erosion and seawater intrusion. Project tenders for both studies will open in March.
Additional flood mitigation efforts include drainage system improvements under the National Housing Scheme (RPN), with four projects underway at a cost of BND1.55 million.
Scheduled maintenance contracts worth BND8.2 million are allocated for nationwide flood management between 2023 and 2026.
The minister said that long-term flood resilience strategies will be guided by these studies and the RKN12 Master Plan, shaping RKN13 and beyond. In response to concerns about post-flood clean-up, he stated that government agencies, including the Public Works Department will provide necessary assistance for affected public areas. – Lyna Mohamad
