| Azlan Othman |
THE Ministry of Development (MoD) is fully committed to repairing, maintaining and safeguarding roads in the country.
This is because a well-maintained network of roads would not only stimulate socioeconomic activities, but also ensure the safety and convenience of motorists.
Its commitment is in line with the National Key Performance Indicator (KPI), namely the Liveability and Sustainability Index.
It is also in line with the nation’s objective to have a high quality of commuting infrastructure through a mechanism such as the Brunei Darussalam 2035 Framework, which assures a high standard of living and access to high quality public utilities and infrastructures.
Minister of Development YB Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar said this in response to Legislative Council (LegCo) member cum Mukim Berakas ‘B’ Penghulu YB Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon.
There is a need for an efficient management system to restore our roads, as done in developed countries with a sophisticated road system, the minister said.
There’s always a challenge to maintain our infrastructure assets such as the ageing roads and this is also a burden faced by other countries, he added.
The minister said a systematic management programme for continuous maintenance will not only see a cost-effective sustainable lifecycle of these assets, but also ensure the safety, well-being and comfort of the people.
In light of this, YB Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi said, the MoD has set up strategies through various road management and maintenance programmes. Among them are the asphalt resurfacing of major road networks across the country and the upgrading of secondary roads and district streets.
Other programmes include the upgrading of road junctions, and the maintenance and upgrading of bridges, as well as routine maintenance such repairing potholes, grass cutting and road clearing.
Despite the recent economic downturn, the ministry will continue to ensure that these road management and maintenance programmes continue, he added.
The minister said that there are types of damaged road repaired through procedures based on certain standards using the annual allocation from the National Development Plan.
Priorities are given to road damages such as potholes that may affect the safety of motorists as well as to planned repair programmes such as resurfacing, rehabilitation or reconstruction.