Pollution Level No Cause For Worry
By Sobrina Rosli

Bandar Seri Begawan - As far as pollution is concerned Bruneians need not worry as pollution levels in the country are within the manageable limit.

A source at the Ministry of Development said, "In proportion to our population, 70 per cent of our land is covered with rainforest and our industrial area is comparatively very small. This is the reason why the pollution level in the sultanate is within the manageable limit."

He elaborated on a few factors that contribute to pollution levels in Brunei.

"Air, water and land are among of the main sources of pollution either caused by industrial activity or individuals," he added.

The ministry in some cases has received reports from the public and by their inspectors where many companies have been alleged to dispose of toxic wastes into the rivers and sea, thus endangering the marine life.

"When we receive reports of industrial waste being dumped into rivers or sea, we investigate the source of the pollution and after finding the company responsible for it, we order it to repair the damage by cleaning that area," he said.

Car workshops are also another source of pollution and many of them dump the used oil into drains. Construction companies too sometimes do not dispose of industrial waste in an environment-friendly manner.

"Our inspectors constantly monitor such cases and we follow up complaints until we find the source," he added

He said the ministry was contemplating a comprehensive environmental act to prevent such cases. Guidelines are also issued to relevant companies as well as to those applying for new licences.

"Industrial and food processing companies should consult with us as we want to know what kind of waste these industries generate and we want them to go through environmental risk assessment procedure," he said. It is very important to know what kind of gases these industries emit and how they are disposing of their waste.

"General public too has a responsibility in this regard. They should dispose of the garbage properly and we are prepared to impose fines on such individuals who do not dispose of waste properly," he added. He said that the level of pollution increases during the dry season.

"We find many people burn tyres and cables in the open, which contribute to air pollution," he said.

He said as part of ministry's efforts in spreading environment awareness they have programmes for schools where they encourage them to set up environmental clubs as part of their extracurricular activities. He said having more recycling companies can also help in reducing the pollution level.

He said that the ministry plans to shut down Brunei-Muara's main dumpsite at Sungai Akar. This, he said, is part of a plan to establish a proper engineered landfill to process waste. The ministry will hire local companies to clear the Sungai Akar dumpsite once the budget for it is approved.

"A local company Jurusy Perunding in partnership with a Canadian company is currently conducting a study around Brunei on wastage management and the report would be ready by the end of March," he said.

The future plan for waste management includes establishing an integrated solid management system where all the waste could be recycled.

"After going through the system other waste which cannot be reused will go through a technology-controlled landfill to be disposed of in an environment-friendly manner," he said. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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