Tasek Merimbun A Forgotten Heritage
By Asmanuddin PD

Bandar Seri Begawan – Bruneians should be proud to have a spectacular park in the Tutong district, the 7,800-hectare Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park. First to be declared as a national park, it became an Asean Heritage Park two decades ago.

However, these, outstanding recognitions appear insufficient to overcome the negligence by the relevant authorities. It is slowly forgotten in the speedy pace of development and might head to the early extinction of its historical and tourism capabilities.

A recent inspection showed more than 80 per cent of the existing facilities are no longer functioning. Most of the huts built close to the banks of the lake or in the middle of the lake are deteriorated and left without any maintenance. Clearly noticeable are the missing rooftops and the benches inside the huts.

The bridges that connect visitors to a small island in the middle of the lake are damaged and declared unsafe for public use.

A few individuals appear to ignore the warning sign indicating the damage to the bridge. They purposely walk through the bridge and ignore their personal safety.

The brand new tarmac surface road leading to the Tasek Merimbun led to an increase in visitors bringing their own transportation to Tasek Merimbun, especially during the public and school holidays.

Again, the park appears to run into trouble in accommodating a large number of incoming vehicles on its limited parking area.

It is hoped relevant authorities will act promptly in preserving and improving the park, which is rich in historical and natural value.

Allowing it to deteriorate would mean forgetting all these valuable assets for our growing tourism industry and our future interests. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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