Bandar Seri Begawan - Beautifying the town centre ahead of the upcoming Asean Summit being hosted this April and October was touched upon during the 9th Legislative Council meeting yesterday, in which factors such as roads leading into the capital being resurfaced and local attractions such as the Gadong night market receiving a facelift were among steps being taken.

The Minister of Development, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Suyoi bin Hj Othman said that the contract for surfacing roadways in the capital was approved in November 2012, and that half of the project has been completed so far. The affected roads are Jalan Sekolah, Jalan Hj Basir, Jalan Simpang, Jalan Dato Taib, Jalan Kumbang Pasang and Jalan Sg Kianggeh.

He added that the Public Works Department (PWD) has been instructed to add more white tents at the Gadong night market in an attempt to make the area more aesthetically pleasing. The project is expected to be completed by the end of April.

The Minister of Development added that there is also a project aimed at improving the drainage system in the capital to control flooding and reduce damage.

The activities being pursued to beautify the capital were highlighted by both ministers in response to a query put forward by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Kema Dato Paduka Seri Awg Hj Yaakub bin Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Diraja Dato Paduka Awg Hj Zainal, who asked what the government was doing to improve the appearance of these areas. He said that roads must constantly be maintained and that public areas such as mosques as well as the Kianggeh and Gadong food stalls need to be cleaned.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Kerna Dato Paduka Seri Awg Hj Yaakub also said that the white tent area near the Gadong wet market is still empty, with vendors stating that every umbrella stall has six partitions and that every retaiier is provided with only a single partition which is not adequate for the display of their products. He called for the provision of two partitions for every retailer.

The Minister of Home Affairs responded that white tents were initially set up last year for the purpose of relocating vendors currently operating at the Kianggeh market.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin