Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid gave updates on road repair works nationwide and emphasised the importance of ensuring road users’ safety through well-maintained roads and highways.
The minister was responding to questions from Legislative Council (LegCo) members Yang Berhormat Amran bin Haji Maidin, Yang Berhormat Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann and Yang Berhormat Haji Mohd Salleh bin Haji Othman during the 21st LegCo session yesterday.
The minister explained how road repair works through pothole patching and resurfacing. “Pothole patching is a temporary measure and enables fast road repair works to be done so that the repaired roads can be re-opened immediately. With this, traffic disruption can be controlled and the safety of users are guaranteed.”
However, he said, “For roads with more serious damages or severely patched, resurfacing or the rehabilitation of roads are more effective for the long term. Such efforts are in the scheduled actions to be taken by the Ministry of Development (MoD).”
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’s government “has allocated BND29.5 million through 18 projects on the resurfacing and repair of road works nationwide under the annual repeat expenses and National Development Plan budgets. Among the projects currently or to be carry out include resurfacing works on Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Highway, Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah Highway, Tungku-Jerudong Highway, Berakas main road, Mentiri main road and several other main roads”, the minister added.
“The MoD is also testing the use of various new technology in the road repair works such as using innovative materials. Such method is being tested currently on Mentiri main road,” Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda said.
On increasing the road quality along the border, the minister said, “A special provision of BND3.8 million has been prepared for upgrading and repairing the network of roads connecting Brunei Darussalam and neighbouring countries.”
For example, he said, “Upgrading works are currently being implemented for Jalan Rasau, the route heading to Sungai Tujoh Control Post border of Brunei Darussalam and Miri, Sarawak, to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
“This aims to make road facilities more comfortable so that more tourists and visitors will visit the Sultanate through land travel.”
Regarding grass-cutting and road cleaning for safety, the minister stated, “Maintaining the road shoulders and medians through grass-cutting and cleaning is essential for traffic safety, particularly at night and in wet conditions. “Overgrown grass can obstruct visibility and conceal road signs, posing danger to motorists, especially in low light or heavy rain.” – James Kon
