Problems

Water quality was decreasing to a state where the water was not safe for swimming. Rubbish was accumulating along the riverbanks, making the environment unhealthy for human habitation. Figure 1 and 2 demonstrate the extent of the water pollution in Kampong Ayer.

Rubbish washed up onto the shore.

Rubbish floating in open water shore.

Local journalist Ignatius Stephen wrote about the loss of one of Brunei’s most cherished cultural sites, Kampong Ayer, previously dubbed Venice of the East, due to the poor water quality.

Newspaper cutting about rubbish floating at Kg Ayer.

(Published in Borneo Bulletin: Friday 8th November 2002)

Possible solutions

Team members carried out an evaluation of the water quality. They helped to change attitudes towards water pollution and increase awareness and action regarding correct waste disposal and recycling. They initiated recycling of aluminium cans and cardboard from waste produced. Team members also proposed action plans needed for the solution of this pressing problem.

Recycling of aluminium cans and cardboards.

Actions taken

Project members visited the nearby Sewage Treatment Plant. They surveyed the extent of the rubbish and sewage problem and interviewed community members and relevant authorities. They attempted to test the quality of river water. They helped some of the villagers out by collecting some waste materials from them such as aluminium cans and cardboard boxes and selling these to a recycling centre. They introduced their proposal to change the community’s attitude towards dumping rubbish in ther river by explaining the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling (the 3R’s). Project members also investigated awareness of the university students concerning the problem and learnt about their ideas for improving the water quality.