BEDB RoadShow Settles Issues
By Wani Abdul Gapar

Tutong Lumut - THE Methanol Plant Project roadshow continued yesterday at the Lumut Liang Recreational Club (LLRC).

BEDB representatives at the roadshow informed The Brunei Times that the methanol plant project is warmly received by the Lumut-Liang community.

The Brunei Methanol Company (BMC) is estimated to produce around 850.000 tonnes of methanol per annum and is expected to bring in roughly US$400 million worth of investments.

During the roadshow, local residents in Sungai Liang voiced their concerns regarding the increased traffic flow during BMC's development but the BEDB has already identified this issue and a Traffic Management Plan has been produced.

The contractor, Galfar Pembinaan and Perusahaan (B) Sdn Bhd, will be responsible for the management of traffic flow during the construction of the project.

The BEDB will also coordinate with various government agencies through the National Road Safety Council, the Road Department of the Public Works Department, the Royal Brunei Police Force, and the Land Transport Department to minimise the impact of the increased traffic flow in the area.

Lumut resident Valentina Tan said, "Economically, this is a good thing but they really need to keep tabs on the environmental and social impact."

BEDB representatives at the roadshow reassured The Brunei Times that the methanol plant project obtained the green light to proceed only after studies were conducted to ensure that it has attained the highest level of safety.

An Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report was conducted in accordance with the World Bank standards by Halcrow, one of the United Kingdom's leading infrastructure development consultancies in the world.

This study verifies the outcomes arising from the BMC development are manageable with minimal impact to the environment.

The EIA was also endorsed by the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation.

A copy of the EIA Report will be made available to the public at their site office once construction commences.

Sungai Liang resident Hj Abdullah Osman called for all the relevant parties to continually update the Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) so as to enable them to participate in the local economy that will undoubtedly be enhanced once the project is completed.

However, BEDB has already confirmed on the first day of the roadshow that the creation of employment opportunities will extend to the whole business community of the sultanate and not just limited to the scope of the mukim Liang SMEs.

BEDB representatives at the roadshow further informed The Brunei Times that awareness in the community regarding the Methanol Plant Project is strong and that residents are clear on what to expect in the near future.

The site preparation will take up to 18 months and is scheduled to commence on February 19 this year.--- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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