Two new trash skimmer boats for the Sungai Brunei Cleanup Project were unveiled at a launch ceremony organised by the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) at Darussalam Jetty, Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas yesterday.
Permanent Secretary (Planning, Land Use and Environment) at the Ministry of Development (MoD) Dr Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak officiated the launch.
A demonstration on the operation of the trash skimmer boats in collecting floating waste in Kedayan River was also held.
The clean-up project in Kampong Ayer currently comprises the collection of floating trash along Brunei River and some major tributaries by means of using a net carried out by at least one worker and assisted by a boat driver.
Six small boats are used every day to patrol the waters of Brunei River to collect trash.
An effort by the government to improve the cleaning of the waterway, the MoD implemented the project up to the waters of the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge for three years.
The project, which is also an initiative under the Master Committee on Hygiene Issues (JIIK), will use the latest and high-capacity boat technology which are more effective and efficient in trash collection, namely two trash skimmer boats equipped with a heavy duty mesh conveyor, four scavenger boats, four work boats and one motorised waste collection pontoon barge and moveable heavy duty conveyor for discharging including high quality floating debris booms to be placed in strategic areas.
Based on the collection records, various types of trash have been pulled from the river including plastic bottles, tin cans, plastic containers, plastic bags, footwear and other household items such as pillows.
Director of Environment, Parks and Recreation Hajah Martinah binti Haji Tamit, senior officers, officers and staff of the JASTRe as well as representatives from appointed contractors were also present. – James Kon
