Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to national development by supporting the BND6.35 billion budget for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. Speaking at the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) session on Thursday, he highlighted key infrastructure projects aligned with Brunei Vision 2035.
Themed “United in Building a More Prosperous Future,” the national budget prioritises enhancing public welfare, economic resilience, and sustainable development. Under this vision, the Ministry of Development (MoD) is focusing on four core infrastructure areas: clean water supply, drainage and sewerage systems, road infrastructure, and housing.
Clean water supply expansion
Recognising clean water as a fundamental necessity, the minister announced major projects aimed at improving water supply infrastructure. Among the key initiatives: Expansion of Bukit Barun Water Treatment Plant: The ongoing construction of Phase 8 will increase the plant’s capacity from 412 million liters per day (MLD) to 532 MLD, ensuring a stable water supply for Brunei-Muara and Tutong districts; Upgrading regional water treatment plants with modernisation efforts underway at Layong (Tutong), Seria (Belait), and Batang Duri (Temburong) plants, incorporating advanced technology to enhance water quality and reliability.
These initiatives aim to support population growth, industrial expansion, and economic diversification beyond the oil and gas sector.
Flood mitigation and drainage improvements
Acknowledging the increasing threat of flash floods due to climate change, the MoD has prioritised flood mitigation projects, including: Flood prevention schemes with new drainage and retention ponds being developed in Pekan Tutong and Kampong Keriam, while Kampong Pasai/Mulaut (Brunei-Muara) will see improved water flow systems; Upgrading Sungai Kedayan flood mitigation with the project’s sixth phase focusing on river deepening, embankment reinforcement, and installing flood warning systems; Expansion of pumping stations and drainage systems: Upgrades are planned for Outfalls (Kuala Belait) and Drainage Pump Station F17 (Seria), while improvements at Jalan Jerambak (Berakas) will enhance floodwater removal efficiency.
These measures are designed to reduce flood-related property damage, ensure road accessibility, and maintain economic stability in flood-prone areas.
Road infrastructure upgrades
The MoD is also spearheading road network improvements to enhance connectivity and ease traffic congestion. Key projects include: Highway expansions with the Tungku Highway set for widening between Rimba and Gadong Estate interchanges, while Jalan Muara will be upgraded from Jalan Aman to Jalan Salambigar; New flyovers with one under construction at the Muara-Tutong Highway near Tanjung Kajar Industrial Area, improving access for businesses and reducing congestion; Rural road upgrades coming under the 12th National Development Plan (RKN12), unpaved village roads are being surfaced with asphalt, with a focus on rural Tutong and Belait.
The minister emphasised that these infrastructure developments will improve public safety, reduce travel time, and boost economic growth by facilitating smoother logistics and trade.
As Brunei progresses towards its Vision 2035 aspirations, the Ministry of Development remains committed to delivering sustainable infrastructure that enhances citizens’ quality of life while supporting long-term economic resilience. – Fadley Faisal
