Significant concerns regarding waste disposal issues was raised yesterday by Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann during the 20th session of the LegCo meeting.
He inquired if waste disposal sites in rural areas are adequate and the government has considered a better waste disposal system.
Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid in response said millions of dollars have been chanelled to waste collection services and the provision of dumpsites such as the Sungai Paku landfill.
The minister also underlined the government’s commitment to bearing higher costs on cleanliness and waste management, detailing the 44 waste disposal sites provided by the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) – 12 in the Brunei-Muara District, 28 in the Tutong District and 11 in the Belait District as well as 296 rubbish bins along the roads of the Temburong District.
The minister added that the government provides free house-to-house waste collection services for residents of in Kampong Ayer, Kampong Batu Marang and Kampong Sungai Bunga.
Despite these efforts, the minister acknowledged the unsustainable nature of the current waste disposal system and shared that the government spends approximately BND1.3 million annually on maintenance and infrastructure, excluding expenses to combat illegal dumping.
To enhance its capabilities, JASTRe has implemented measures, such as improving waste collection in all four districts.
He also highlighted the provision of 13 hydraulic portable electrical waste compactors, capable of holding up to 15 tonnes of waste, which reflects the government’s commitment.
The ministry also looks to adopt a waste-to-energy incinerator system. – Rokiah Mahmud
