Tutong - Concerted efforts have been made by the Tutong District office to help raise the standard of living of the poor in the area.
Speaking to the media, Tutong District Officer, Haji Jamain Momin said that collaborations have been made with various government and private agencies to provide better housing, food and other amenities to the needy.
"The` Islamic Religious Council, Yayasan, Japim, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as well as the Tutong District Officers have joined forces to assist the poor in improving their living conditions," he said.
"NGOs are also active in helping rebuild the depleted houses and we hope that more private agencies will step up to assist us in the future."
He added that through charity projects, charity and welfare funds, they have been able to build and improve houses in Kampung Luagan Duduk, Kampung Telisai and Kampung Long Mayan.
"Currently, we are reviewing a few more houses, which need help in Tutong villages."
The main objective behind improving the housing conditions is to lessen the financial burden of these people so that they can concentrate more on looking for employment.
"We encourage these people to take up farming or handicraft work which can bring them some income," he explained.
The officer said that the district office is also in the process of helping many children of the less fortunate to find jobs with private agencies such as Hua Ho and other business establishments.
"In such a way, we are helping them by providing proper livelihood to raise their standards of living."
Furthermore, he added that with the coming up of new malls and efforts to find oil and gas in the district more employment opportunities will be created for the residents.
The District Officer pointed out that although the situation of the less fortunate is not as bad in Brunei as compared to other countries, improving the plight of the underprivileged has always been the top priority of the His Majesty`s Government. "Help will be given to all the needy, regardless of their religion or race," he said.
source: www.brudirect.com (22 Desember 2007)
