Close Shave In Kg Ayer
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - A family of six got the shock of their lives when their house in Kampong Ayer gave way due to a landslip caused by a heavy downpour.

The owner of the house located in Kg. Setia `B', Abd Bahrin Hj Dullah recalled how his house crumbled, a minute after he evacuated his family at l am on early Friday morning.

"We were fast asleep when out of the blue, the house shook and there was a power blackout caused by a fallen electrical post at the back of the house.

I ran to the front door with my wife and four children after we heard a loud cracking noise at the back.

"My family was safe and sound, but I could not save my properties which include three water taxi boats and a 60horsepower engine," Abd Bahrin said.

He added that he has been staying in the house which he bought for $2,000 four years ago after his house in Kg. Ujong Klinik was razed to the ground in a fire. Currently, they are staying at his sister's house at the nearby Kg. Bolkiah.

Meanwhile the village leader of Kg. Setia `B' said officers from 'Baitul Mat', Community Development Unit, Brunei/ Muara District Office, Fire Services personnel were at the scene yesterday to assist the victim. Abd Bahrin said the officers came and asked about the daily necessities and number of children that he has.

Fire personnel and volunteers came to help demolish the house (pie right). Abd Bahrin, who is a water taxi operator earning an average of $20 dollars a day, also called on the relevant authorities and generous individuals to make contributions to alleviate his problem.

"Actually, I am renting the water taxi and I also have to pay the owner. Sometimes, there's no profit after paying the boat owner. It's only during payday that I earn more which is around $30-$40," he said.

However Abd Bahrin said he still wants to build his house on the same site as he found it convenient for him to fish and to build boats.

Meanwhile, the authorities have covered the landslip with a canvas to prevent further erosion which caused a coconut tree to slide about 15 feet away from its original position and an electrical post also gave way, affecting two houses located around Abd Bahrin's house. "Luckily the coconut tree did not hit our house," he said

Abd Bahrin said his loss was estimated to be more than $5000. Village residents said six years ago, an earth slip also occurred several metres away from the affected house.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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