“Venice of the East”? I wonder who actually said this? Some references that I have come across, suggests that it’s in Thailand that the “Venice of the East” was mentioned, but not Brunei.
Kampong Ayer over 100, 200 years, still has the same problem. Rubbish, faeces and sewerage waste. On top of that, there are many houses which are now occupied by illegal immigrants and migrants as well, who pay rent to the landlord of the house.
The issue of preserving the Kampong Ayer is possibly more than a decade old question. In 1906, it was the British Resident, MacArthur, who moved “Brunei” from its watery origin to its present land based area. In the 1980s, after independence, the Government pursued the policy of resettlement of the Water Village people to the land, hence we have the National Housing Scheme.
Now, to be nationally conscious, there’s a need to preserve the Water Village, which is a Brunei Heritage Site. But how to make it more interesting? I had the opportunity to visit the Kg. Kianggeh night tamu, which overlook the Kampong Ayer. What I see is quite disappointing. It’s not as “bright” as it used it. The view of Kampong Ayer is quite dull. And the big signboard – say no to drug – is a big eyesore.
How to preserve Kampong Ayer then? Not really sure. Can people be forced to live in the village, once they are used to the land? Can people there depend on the little amount of tourists who venture into the village support the incomes of the people who want to venture in small cottage industry? I don’t really know.
What is the issue of Kampong Ayer then? If it ain’t broken then don’t fix it… heheh…
(For the record: The River is cleaner than what I had expected)... )
Bandar Seri Begawan
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