The quality of building construction under the National Housing Scheme (RPN) falls under the responsibility of the Housing Development Department (JKP) as the implementing agency for the project.
Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid said this in response to a query by Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin during the 21st LegCo session yesterday.
Project officers, site supervisors, contractors and consultants monitor construction work to ensure it meets the required specifications and standards. Upon completion of the housing project, JKP conducts inspections alongside technical agencies before homes are allocated to qualified applicants.
The Authority on Building Control and and Construction Industry (ABCi) plays a key role in coordinating with relevant agencies in issuing Occupancy Permits (OP), which certify buildings with permission for occupancy. ABCi ensures compliance through inspections by agencies such as the Lands Department, Department of Roads, Department of Drainage and Sewerage, Department of Town and Country Planning and the Fire and Rescue Department. However, once an OP is issued and houses are occupied, any quality issues or minor damages fall outside ABCi’s jurisdiction. The minister clarified that ABCi’s primary role is to authorise construction commencement and occupancy, while JKP remains responsible for post-allocation monitoring and maintenance.
Following the handover of RPN houses to homeowners, JKP handles quality monitoring through homeowner complaints, follow-up inspections and direct feedback.
For newly allocated homes, a defect liability period is in place, during which the original contractor is responsible for addressing minor damages. JKP ensures these repairs are completed within the warranty period. For damages beyond this period, JKP, in coordination with technical agencies, assesses each case individually.
The Ministry of Development (MoD) has allocated approximately BND2.7 million under its Recurring Expenditure for the maintenance and repair of assets across 25 RPN areas nationwide. This funding covers house repairs, asset maintenance, drain and culvert cleaning and landscape upkeep to preserve the housing environment.
RPN homeowners can report damages via JKP’s complaint form or directly to the JKP. Repairs depend on the severity of the issue:
Minor damages (wall cracks, leaking pipes, broken tiles) are addressed by the original contractor if still under warranty.
Major damages or safety concerns prompt JKP to collaborate with the Public Works Department (JKR) and relevant agencies for immediate action, which may include temporarily relocating affected residents.
To enhance drainage system efficiency, the Department of Drainage and Sewerage under the JKR has implemented a BND140,000 maintenance contract for areas such as Simpang 77 and Simpang 283 in Kampong Rimba ‘A’ and PGGMB Lambak ‘B’. The contract covers regular drain cleaning and maintenance to prevent blockages and ensure smooth water flow.
Additionally, BND236,000 has been allocated for dredging works in Antong River and Mangsalut River to increase water capacity and reduce overflow risks during heavy rains.
The Department of Drainage and Sewerage is also conducting studies to assess drainage system effectiveness, with plans to enlarge drains, improve drainage efficiency, and increase capacity. These measures reflect the MoD’s ongoing commitment to a sustainable and resilient drainage infrastructure amid climate change challenges.
Meanwhile, in response to a query by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Haji Mohd Salleh bin Haji Othman regarding travel discounts for senior citizens, it was revealed that Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) has introduced the RB Diamond Discounts programme since October 2023.
The initiative offers senior citizens aged 60 and above discounts of up to 10 per cent on flight tickets, subject to specified conditions. Eligible individuals can make reservations at the RB Customer Service Centre to avail themselves of the discounted fares. – Fadhil Yunus
