| James Kon |
MUNICIPAL Boards need to be more proactive in implementing government policies and evaluating the effectiveness of each project.
This was said by Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs, during his speech at an inaugural meeting yesterday with members of the 2016-2017 Municipal Boards in the Brunei-Muara, Tutong and Belait districts.
He also stated that the ministry has established an Office of Strategic Management, to help all departments in monitoring the projects to meet the desired target.
“This is a good opportunity for the chairmen of all Municipal Boards to review all projects and efforts to boost the economy and infrastructure, so that the communities and businesses within each municipality will benefit from the high standards of living, on a par with developed countries,” he said.
The minister also said that His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has called on the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure the establishment of all municipalities as thriving commercial centres, which include the upgrading of the existing infrastructure and public transport; the regular collection of revenue – including property tax, vendor rental fees and car park prices – as well as endeavours to reduce the amount of outstanding government revenues; and the improvement of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), cost savings, government services process improvement as well as initiatives toward revenue generation.
In addition to the main topics, the minister said “The Municipal Board must also focus its attention to frequently raised issues.”
Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs, delivering his speech at the inaugural meeting of the 2016-2017 Municipal Boards in the Brunei-Muara, Tutong and Belait districts.
Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs, in a group photo with the members of the BSB Municipal board. – JAMES KON
Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar in a group photo with the Tutong Municipal board.
Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar in a group photo with the Kuala Belait and Seria Municipal board.
On the issue of cleanliness, he said, “His Majesty has frequently stressed that the Ministry of Home Affairs should take steps to increase the level of cleanliness in all municipalities, including taking appropriate action on owners of premises – whether commercial premises or private residences – who have failed to maintain a clean environment, and the efforts in maintaining cleanliness needs to be spread to market squares in each district.”
He added, “The problem of rubbish disposal has clearly demonstrated the weakness of certain parties in the law enforcement, and also a lack of coordination from certain parties in His Majesty’s Government to effectively tackle the issue of rubbish dumping. Currently, there are a number of Acts under the Municipal Board and Government agencies which are responsible for public cleanliness.”
Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar also extended his appreciation to the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Development and Ministry of Home Affairs on the initiatives in tackling the issue of cleanliness, and welcomed the establishment of a steering committee on cleanliness issues in formulating strategies to maintain cleanliness and a green environment.
“We need to enforce the law, and take action on all offenders,” he said. The existing laws are not potent enough, and needed amendment. The Municipal Boards need to review the laws and forward suggestions for amendment.”
Also present at the meeting were Haji Mohammad Sunadi bin Haji Buntar, Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs; and Yahya bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The post Home Minister urges Municipal Boards to be more proactive appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.