Bandar Seri Begawan - A total of four families have been given the opportunity to celebrate the coming New Year in their new homes, following the official handing over of their House Certificates in separate ceremonies that took place in the Brunei-Muara and Kuala Belait districts.

Among those who have been presented with this government incentive is 39-year-old Dayang Norkaidah, whose residence can be located within the Kampong Masin area in the form of a three-room stilted home that was completed on November after an eight-month construction period that began in March.

A housewife, married to a 46-year-old non-local, who earns $600 a month as a driver for a private company and lives with her seven children, six of whom are still schooling and the youngest being just over a year old and the eldest being 19, is also receiving $390 a month from the Community Development Centre (JAPEM) for the children's education.

To present the family with their certificate was AwangHajiMuhammad Lutfi bin Abdullah, Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the Ministry of Development in his capacity as Co-Chairman for the Action for the Provisions of Housing Aid for the Needy, who then travelled to the oil district to present the other families with their respective certificates.

A press statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) explained that the houses were part of a project to aid those in need, initiated by a committee coordinated by the PMO along with the Ministry of Development, Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports whilst funding for these houses are borne in full by the Brunei Islamic Religious Council through the Commitment of Zakat Balance.

As part of the government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's efforts in ensuring the welfare of the community especially those who are in need, the said committee also actively improves upon carrying out the Housing Aid for the needy.