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| Public response to BSB Masterplan. Read full article by The Brunei Times HERE... |
Greetings.
As promised, in this post we will be looking at some of the opinions from the general public. Despite the encouraging response from the public, several opinions seem to be wrongly perceived or misunderstood.
Opinion 1:
"The masterplan only focus on developing the current Bandar Seri Begawan and other important nearby areas such as Gadong, Kiulap, Serusop, etc. Therefore, it neglects other areas in Brunei-Muara district right?"
Wrong.... The masterplan initial aim is to focus on developing Bandar Seri Begawan and other commercially active areas, BUT the plan does not stop there. It is among the long term objectives of the masterplan to develop BSB and synchronize the development with other areas throughout the country. Hence, this corresponds with the catalyst project on Integrated Public Transportation System (IPTS).
Opinion 2:
"The masterplan is formulated in line with Brunei's Vision 2035. That means 24 years from now, that is very little time considering all the projects in the masterplan. How can we achieve so many in so little time. The plan is not realistic."
Wrong. Yes the BSB masterplan is created in line with the national Brunei Vision 2035 BUT the projects and strategies implemented are for 2035 & BEYOND. Hence viability of the action plan needs to be seen from a long-period standpoint. The Eiffel Tower was not built overnight, it was through persistent hardwork, efficient and effective use of resources, and various carefully thought strategies within a reasonable time period.
Opinion 3:
"There is no backup plan, previously several urban development plans have been formulated under the National Development plan but none have been fully implemented. What happens if the masterplan doesn't work? All the efforts would be a waste. The masterplan does not take into account actual situations and hence is too ambitious."
Wrong.. Relatively, many people think that the BSB Masterplan is a separate plan from other previous "urban development plans" while in actuality IT IS NOT. The BSB Masterplan was developed as the result from all the previous national urban development plans. In addition this time, the process also involved participation from various stakeholders in the general public before it was finalize. The components of the masterplan is a result from suggestions made by the public.
Moreover, the authority (Municipal Department) have mentioned that the masterplan is not fix/rigid, details of the masterplan are subject to modification in order to fit current needs & specifications where and when necessary. Hence, it does take into account actual, current and future situations.
As for the masterplan being too ambitious, I wouldn't say it is wrong but rather the opinion is subjective. Personally, I think it all depends on how we look at it. I believe that there is no such thing as a perfect or ideal plan but as citizens it is our responsibility to look into the masterplan and identify the role that we can play to eventually "make it work".
The government have decided to make the masterplan legally binding(full article here), hence our generation and the future generations that follow will experience the "by-product" of the masterplan. Therefore we need to participate proactively and ensure that the masterplan to be succesfully implemented at its optimum level; so as to enjoy the potential benefits and advantages. As Brunei citizens, it is our collective responsibilities to make the best out of the BSB Masterplan i.e. turn visons into real actions...
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