Kg Ayer needs urgent infrastructure development

SOME residents of Kampong Ayer have called for immediate action to fix the sad state of the water village once dubbed as the "Venice of the East", fearing it will no longer be one of the country's tourist attractions.

"If the state of neglect of proper infrastructure development persists in Kampong Ayer, we will continue to see dilapidated houses, rotting wooden walkways without rails, irresponsible sewage dumping and remains of burnt houses," said the residents.

Asmali Mohammad, a boat operator for tourists, said that not much has been done in terms of development in Kampong Ayer since his childhood days.

In early 2000, there was a talk on re-development plans for the entire water village, but only villagers who suffered from the major fire in the early 90s have been re-settled into Kampung Bolkiah A and B, the only water housing scheme completed, he said.

"All amenities such as clean water and sanitation are of course provided, but we yearn for a much comfortable living where we do not have to worry about fires, high tides and the safety of our children," he said.

Asmali said that he brings tourists to better looking facilities such as the Kampung Bolkiah and Kampung Tamoi where most houses are still intact. This would shed better light on our landmark Kampong Ayer and bring more tourists, he added.

"But, this does not mean we have to cover up the obvious fact that most houses are practically falling apart," he said, adding that our history started in Kampong Ayer and it should be preserved to the fullest extent so that the younger generation can enjoy the beauty of the water village and not only in pictures.

"Besides, the schools and mosques which are of course new, the only upgrade in the original villages has been the jetties," said Hjh Rosnah Hamid, a mother of four.

"While jetties play an important role in our daily lives, it is the amenity that needs to be upgraded least," she said. The ruins of old abandoned houses which are still rampant could breed criminal activities, she said, adding that most of the criminal activities, especially drug abuse are linked to Kampong Ayer.

Authorities should look into the root of the problem to eradicate it, said Hjh Rosnah.

Senior citizen Hj Osman Tahir, who has just moved from the water village to the Rimba Housing Area with his family, said that while he is sad to leave, he has to for the sake of his children. "In 64 years, I have seen fires, houses torn down by high tides and more. It might seem normal before but times are supposed to change for the better. I have not seen much development yet except for running water and more reliable electricity," he said.

A native of Sungai Pandan formerly known as Sungai Kuyuk, his village was ravaged by a fire in the late 80s but built again on another part of the village with the help of the government. He said that he probably would not be around to witness a change in the development of Kampong Ayer due to his age.

In February 2004, a Housing and Re-development of Kampong Ayer Scheme was introduced with plans to renovate and new housing estates were made public via roadshows and advertisements.

The booklet, Guide to the Housing and Redevelopment of Kampong Ayer showed the blueprint and drawings of proposed new houses in the current villages to beautify and maintain its cultural image.

The committee which includes key ministries, village heads and academics, planned to do a full assessment of Kampong Ayer to achieve sustainable development in the short or long-term.