A major safety net structure erected at the Royal Brunei Airlines Golf Course to protect the busy main road from wayward golf balls collapsed severely due to strong winds on Tuesday morning. The collapse was a near miss disaster, as no motor vehicles were present in the area at the time. However, the incident has raised serious concerns about the safety measures in place.
The golf course was built in 1995, predating the construction of the adjacent highway. Initially, the golf course operated without a safety net. However, as the highway was built and traffic increased, stray golf balls became a hazard to passing vehicles. To address this safety issue, a massive safety net structure was subsequently added.
The collapse of the safety net has raised concerns about the design and construction of such structures. Road users are now worried about whether the safety net was engineered to withstand strong winds, especially considering the potential risks posed to motorists on the busy highway. Furthermore, there are growing concerns about the management's responsibility in ensuring the safety of the public.
Who is accountable for the collapse? Was it a design flaw, poor maintenance, or simply a freak accident? These are all questions that need to be answered by the authorities as they investigate the incident.
The authorities need to take this incident seriously and ensure that all safety nets are up to standard and properly maintained. The safety of motorists and passersby is at stake. If the safety net was not properly designed or maintained, then other golf courses may be at risk of a similar collapse.
The incident has left road users and nearby residents anxious about their safety while passing through the area adjacent to the golf course. Many are calling for regular safety assessments and upgrades to be implemented to avoid potential hazards and ensure the protection of motorists and passersby in the vicinity of the Royal Brunei Golf Course.
Members of the public have called on the Authority on Building Control and Construction Industry (ABCi) and the Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) to thoroughly investigate the incident and to ensure that all safety nets are up to standard and properly maintained.
As authorities delve deeper into the investigation, it is hoped that lessons will be learned, leading to improved safety measures that safeguard both golfers and the general public from the potential dangers posed by stray golf balls on busy highways. (MHO/07/23)
