We are occupants of a temporary allocation for fire victims at Kg. Belimbing, Subok under the patronisation of Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Our intention in writing this letter was to express our dismay at the increase in rentals from $100 a month in the first year to $200 a month in the next year.

The rental will keep on increasing on a yearly basis.

Even though the relocation is on temporary basis for fire victims the period of one year's stay has not given us enough time to build our own homes.

This is especially so for those who do not have land as well as others who do not have the financial means to build their own homes. Is it the government or the private sector that is renting us the current accommodation?

The rentals are definitely beyond our means - we are victims of fire who lost all our belongings to the inferno. Among us are also many government civil servants who are in the low-income groups.

Aren't there any government housings that is affordable for fire victims?

We would be most grateful if we, the victims of Kg. Belimbing, Subok can be given accommodation at a nominal rate.

We hope concerned government agencies would alleviate out suffering.

- Jij

In response to the 'How Gross Can Shows On TV Get?' by Amazed Mother, Seria, Borneo Bulletin, Weekend 19th March 2005, the Prime Minister's Office would like to state that Radio Television Brunei is not the primary broadcaster for the said show.

It is under the management of Kristal-Astro Sdn Bhd, DST Group. However, if there is any further query, please do not hesitate to contact us at this address:

- Public Relations Officer,
- Prime Minister's Office,
- Secretariat Building,
- Bandar Seri Begawan, BS 8610,
- Negara Brunei Darussalam
- Tel: 2224645 Fax: 2228106
- e-mail: Info_jpm@pmo.gov.bn

I have read with interest some recent articles in the Borneo Bulletin regarding a large number of road accidents in Brunei and it seems that not a day goes by without at least a few pictures of motor vehicles involved in "self-accidents" or collisions with other vehicles.

As a driver who was recently involved in a road mishap in Lumapas that left me in a deep ditch, let me say firstly how grateful I am to the many motorists who stopped and helped me, despite the heavy downpour and muddy conditions.

Their kindness and assistance were very much appreciated and speaks volumes of the helpful people of Brunei.

However, I am not happy with the state of the road. The road simply could not cope with the amount of rainwater that was falling and a large pool had collected at the centre of the roadway.

The water could not drain off fast enough and there was no guardrail, despite a bend in the road.

I understand that Brunei has ongoing road works but the best way to reduce accidents as the Minister recently stated was having better engineering (for example, guardrails and efficient guttering), education and enforcement.

With so many deep ditches beside the roadways, it's no wonder so many cars end up in them.

- Lucky Escape, BSB

This is in reference to a letter from 'Jangsak Resident' entitled 'Can schools be relocated to relax Jalan Gadong jam?' published in the Opinion Page of Borneo Bulletin on April 02, 2005.

Private Education Section, Ministry of Education has taken this matter into account and advised cooperation is needed among related parties in order to ease traffic congestions.

In addition, an effort has been made to look upon possible solutions towards the matter.

At present a new set of guidelines has been drawn including that the proximity of private schools must be 3 kms away from each other.

- Head of Public Relations Unit
- Public Relations Unit
- Ministry of Education
- 4th Floor, Black B
- Old Airport Road, Berakas BB3510
- Bandar Seri Begawan

To whom it may concern. First of all, I want to give my opinion on the sound system in the fountain area of our famous park.

The fountains can still be made to dance beautifully but it was a very sad episode that we witnessed two weeks ago (7.4.2995 - 10pm).

It was just me with four visitors left hoping for the best as the water danced pathetically to a very, very bad sound.

It was so bad that we didn't even understand if they were songs that were being played.

Sometime ago it was the musical fountain that drew most crowds to the park.

Please do something to wake the playground up. Repair the sound system, switch it on and make sure we hear music as lively as before.

Anyone who goes to the park, especially foreign visitors would undoubtedly want to enjoy the musical fountain.

Livelier the music, more visitors we will draw.

- Big Bird, Seria

Buses need attention

Can I find out why the Land Transport Department has not got tough with buses by insisting they stop only at designated stops?

It's really a problem in Brunei when passengers seem to be stopping buses at any place they want as it causes confusion and danger to motorists. It is becoming a bad habit. Why don't they follow the laws here?

We must enforce the law and make sure bus drivers obey rules and regulations. We could also advertise in the media and let bus users know how important it is to follow the rules and wait at designated bus stops for their ride.

Buses also must arrive at the designated stop at the scheduled time. There must be no excuses. These basic rules are followed everywhere in the world as those who depend on public transport depend on buses to take them to their destination on schedule.

It is not difficult to follow, with proper organisation. We hope LTD will do something to solve this problem.

- Safety4users

We take note on the problems and issues raised by "Workaholic Dad" and appreciate his contribution in our continuing education classes.

The system of payment is recently being changed from the old system to a new TAFIS (Treasury Accounting and Financial Information System), which we believe would facilitate and process payments more efficiently.

However, teething problems are expected especially at this early phase of its introduction. We are sure once the system is in full swing, payments would be much efficient provided there are no delays in the submission of claims.

The second issue on separating the classes for groups sitting for June and November examinations, this matter is being considered. However, please note that students were registered and have paid fees to study for one whole year and shall sit for the November examination in the same year.

If they insist on sitting for the June examination on the pretext that they are confident and have covered the syllabus, we do not discourage them from doing so.

It would probably be better for "Workaholic Dad" to advise the students to register and sit for the November examination during their first meeting in January and March in the same year.

In order for us to assist "Workaholic Dad " on the delay of payment of his allowance, we would appreciate if he can come forward and provide relevant details by filling the vendor forms available at the Continuing Education Section, Department of Technical Education so that action can be taken to expedite this matter.

We would also encourage relevant teachers who had not filled in the vendor forms to do so as soon as possible.

- Continuing Education Section
- Department of Technical Education
- Ministry of Education
- Bandar Seri Begawan

Thank you to "EZ Business" for raising the matter relating to TAIB KB Branch and its subsidiary; Insurans Islam TAIB Sdn. Bhd (IITSB) as published in the Borneo Bulletin dated April 20th 2005 entitled "Customer's Choice of Bank's location".

We acknowledged the current situation of our existing office in Kuala Belait. However, we are very pleased to inform you that TAIB KB Branch will be moving to a new location at Unit 4 & 5, Block A, Jalan Jaya Negara, Kg. Pandan Kuala Belait within this year which is currently under renovation, whereas IITSB will also be moving it's office to a new location nearby at Unit 14, Block B, Jalan Jaya Negara, Kg. Pandan Kuala Belait.

We appreciate the writer's suggestion and would like to assure that all means are being taken to improve our services. We will continuously strive to deliver a more conducive and convenient banking environment. For further enquiries please do not hesitate to contact:

- Hajah Noraizan Binti Haji Abdul Wahab
- Customer Services Department
- Perbadanan Taib. TEL:+673-2232222 ext 180

I am very disappointed about the way some teachers treat the students in a private school in Seria.

When my daughter comes back from school she has been very upset on a daily basis since last week. I have realised that she is now even afraid to go to school especially for her Science lesson.

My daughter told me that a foreign science teacher is very strict and scolds students even for very small mistakes. I hope that every teacher in Brunei wouldn't treat their students like this because all parents send their children to school with the idea of improving their knowledge and not to get harassed by teachers everyday at school.

In the same way, even though every teacher sends their own children to school, I am sure they wouldn't like their children to be treated in this way.

- Disappointed Parent