BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Korean government is keen to help preserve Brunei River’s natural environment by offering to conduct an environmental study on the river as its water quality is reportedly deteriorating year by year, Brudirect reported.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Suyoi Hj Osman, the Minister of Development, is looking at the study proposal which was submitted to the Ministry of Development.
The outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Brunei Darussalam, Choi Byung Koo, in a recent interview with local media said he regrets that he could not personally “seal” the project with the Government of Brunei Darussalam as he will return to Korea in a few days at the completion of his tenure.
“Korean companies can carry out a study to find out the source of the river’s environmental problems and also help preserve the environment for Brunei’s future,” he said.
The study is estimated to cost US$500,000 and would take five months to complete.
He has offered to arrange for the Korean government and researchers to conduct the study for free to further promote the bilateral ties between both countries.
He felt that the Minister of Development looked very interested in the study after it was proposed by the Koreans.
Choi Byung Koo will inform his successor to push for the implementation of the study.
The outgoing Korean Ambassador, who has served in Brunei Darussalam for three years, played a pivotal role in helping Daelim Industrial Co Ltd get the contract for the Sungai Brunei Bridge by advising the Korean construction company to incorporate Brunei elements such as the country’s culture, history and religion into the design of the Mega Bridge.
Currently, the bridge is thirty per cent completed and he hopes to return to Brunei Darussalam to see the completion of the bridge next year.
Asked about what he will miss about Brunei when he returns to Korea, he said, “I will miss the peace and tranquil environment of Brunei Darussalam and the fresh air and good friends here.”