Building a Sustainable Future: Proposals for Responsible Development in Belait District

On May 16, 2023, the Department of Information, as the government's primary information provider, held 'Program Muzakarah Penerangan' at Pusat Insani Seria. 

 

The event aimed to clarify and share information on current issues and government policies. 

 

The Acting Director of Information, Dayang Siti Bismi Nuruliman binti Haji Awang Emzah presided over the program, emphasizing that it served as a bridge between the government and the people, particularly the residents of Mukim Seria and surrounding villages. 

 

Pemangku Pengarah
Dayang Siti Bismi Nuruiman

The Acting Director of Information raised 14 topics for discussion during the session. These issues covered various subjects such as the closure of Tamu at Sungai Bera due to safety and public health concerns, the issue of stray dogs and crocodiles, road damages, abandoned government buildings, abandoned vehicles along the main road and in residential and commercial areas, and the presence of auto shops in residential areas like Panag Housing and Lorong Three.

 

The presence of senior officials from relevant government agencies at the program demonstrates their commitment to addressing these issues and finding solutions for the benefit of the community. This discussion provided residents with an opportunity to voice their concerns, and the government listened and took appropriate action.

 

During the program, I also had the chance to express my concerns and proposals. However, due to time constraints, I was unable to articulate my thoughts thoroughly. Here are the points I wanted to highlight:

Pemangku Penghulu Seria
dan Pemangku Ketua Kampong

 

Firstly, I wanted to articulate on the importance of establishing a clear vision for the Belait District, including Seria, to align all efforts, work programs, activities, policies, and development projects towards the realisation of that vision. Like the Temburong District as the Green Jewel of Brunei Darussalam because of its green environment. Development policies and activities in the district are aligned to that vision.

 

By having a shared vision, we can foster a paradigm shift in mindset across all sectors of the community, unifying everyone towards turning that vision into a reality.

Pegawai-Pegawai Kanan kerajaan turut hadir

Secondly, I wanted to emphasize the need for more comprehensive research and strategic planning when executing any project. It is crucial to consider factors such as safety, health, security, and environmental issues, including wildlife rights. From my observations, this aspect has been lacking in our development projects regardless of their scale and size.

 

For instance, we have failed to take into account important factors like the Wildlife Act and Land Code for proper land management when clearing jungles for estate development projects, resulting in issues such as stray dogs, monkeys, and crocodiles.

 

By addressing these issues, we can ensure that our projects are carried out responsibly and sustainably, taking into consideration the well-being of wildlife and the environment. This will contribute to the overall success and long-term benefits of our development initiatives.

Pegawai Kanan menjawab soalan

In addition, I also wanted to highlight the importance of community engagement and participation in the decision-making process of development projects. It is crucial to involve local residents, stakeholders, and experts to gather diverse perspectives and ensure that projects truly meet the needs and aspirations of the community.

 

Furthermore, I also wanted to emphasize the significance of conducting thorough impact assessments prior to implementing any development project to preserve and sustain the prosperity of the larger community, especially the well-being of small enterprises such as farmers and vegetable sellers, fishmongers, and others. 

 

This includes assessing the potential social, economic, and environmental consequences of the project. By doing so, we can identify potential challenges and implement necessary measures to mitigate any negative impacts.

 

Regarding environmental concerns, I wanted to highlight the need to seriously implement sustainable practices and the integration of green technologies in our development projects. 

Penduduk Mukim Seria

This would not only help in preserving the natural resources and biodiversity but also contribute to mitigating climate change and promoting a greener and more resilient future.

 

Overall, my proposal aims to promote responsible and sustainable development that takes into account the well-being of the community, wildlife, and the environment. By prioritizing long-term planning, community engagement, and environmental considerations, we can ensure that our development projects contribute positively to the overall well-being and future prosperity of the Belait District and its residents.

 

It is essential that we establish a clear vision for the district, aligning our efforts towards its realization. This vision should embrace the natural beauty and resources of the Belait District, similar to how the Temburong District is recognized as the Green Jewel of Brunei Darussalam. By doing so, we can guide our policies, activities, and development projects in a way that preserves and enhances the district's environmental integrity.

 

Penduduk Mukim Seria

Furthermore, we must integrate comprehensive research and strategic planning into our project execution process. This includes considering important factors such as safety, health, security, and wildlife rights. Currently, there is a lack of attention to these aspects, leading to unintended consequences. For instance, when clearing jungles for estate development, we overlook wildlife protection measures outlined in the Wildlife Act and Land Code. This negligence has resulted in issues like stray dogs, monkeys, and crocodiles. To ensure responsible and sustainable development, we must rectify these oversights and implement proper land management practices.

 

Community engagement is another crucial aspect of our development endeavors. We need to actively involve local residents, stakeholders, and experts in the decision-making process. Their diverse perspectives and insights will enable us to address the specific needs and aspirations of the community. By fostering collaboration and inclusive participation, we can ensure that our projects genuinely serve the best interests of the people.

Penduduk Mukim Seria

Additionally, conducting thorough impact assessments before implementing any development project is paramount. Such assessments should encompass social, economic, and environmental aspects. 

By anticipating and mitigating potential challenges, we can safeguard the well-being of the larger community, particularly small enterprises like farmers, vegetable sellers, and fishmongers. Their prosperity is closely linked to the success of our development initiatives, and we must take their livelihoods into account.

 

In tackling environmental concerns, we must embrace sustainable practices and integrate green technologies into our projects. By doing so, we can conserve natural resources, protect biodiversity, and reduce our carbon footprint. This commitment to environmental stewardship aligns with global efforts to address climate change and paves the way for a greener and more resilient future.

 

By adhering to these principles of responsible and sustainable development, we can ensure that the Belait District thrives in harmony with its natural surroundings. It is our duty to prioritize the long-term well-being of our community, protect wildlife and their habitats, and preserve the beauty of our environment for generations to come. Together, let us work towards a prosperous and sustainable future for the Belait District and its residents. 

(MHO May 17 2023)