Kuala Belait - from the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC), Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) with the cooperation of government departments within the Belait District is planning to develop the Mukim Seria Multipurpose Hall.

The community hub will also see the construction of other new buildings nearby, such as a bowling centre and a 'cineplex' that is expected to develop and enhance the image of Pekan Seria, attracting locals and foreign tourists.

A number of activities may be conducted at the new centre so as to encourage unity and strengthen relations among the community members.

It is also hoped to promote the development for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on top of becoming a centre of attraction within Belait that encourages exercise and the practices of a healthy and active lifestyle.

The cost of the building development project is shouldered by BSP Sdn Bhd and its completion is expected to take 12 months.

Work has started on a 2.93-hectare piece of land with the proposed halls measuring 5,700m2 opposite the OGDC building along Jalan Tengah in Seria. The development is also a symbol of harmony between the oil and gas industry and the local community.

In light of this, a foundation-laying ceremony was held yesterday. The event's guest of honour who officiated the foundation-laying was the Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Dato Seri Setia Hj Adanan Pehin Dato Seri Setia Hj Mohd Yussof.

The building is expected to be equipped with a spacious hall that is capable of accommodating 1,500 individuals and to be used for ceremonies as well as sporting activities like futsal and badminton.

Also, the building will have two activity rooms for the community's use, a gymnasium, a library, a surau, a VVIP room as well as a bowling centre to be built nearby.

The bowling centre will cost $5 million and also include facilities such as a 24-lane bowling centre, bowling equipment store, as well as eateries like cafés, two cinemas, an arcade and so on.

The bowling centre project was started earlier this month and is expected to be completed in 12 months - that is, by July next year.

The ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Dato Paduka Hj Dani Hj Ibrahim, Legislative Council Member Hj Mohd Shafiee Ahmad, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Hj Abdoh Dato Seri Setia Hj Abd Salam, Deputy Permanent Secretary Hj Mawardi Hj Abdullah, Belait District Officer Hj 'amain Momin, Deputy Managing Director for BSP Sdn Bhd, Hj Zainal Abidin Hj MohdAli, along with senior government officers, penghulus and village heads.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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