A Gap Analysis in Selected Asian Countries, 3R Knowledge Hub ...

The NCE was established in 1993 by the Brunei
Government as part of its Sixth National
Development Plan. The NCE is a high-level
inter-agency consultative body with
representation from the relevant government
departments and units concerned with
environment. This is chaired by the Minister of
Development.
The NCE is tasked with coordinating the
environmental functions and sectoral
interests of the relevant agencies within
and outside the government. It ensures
general coordination of environmental
policymaking, providing an overall
framework for environmental
management, and oversees the
implementation of national environmental
activities, legislation and policies
pertaining to the environment.
The Environment Unit of the Ministry of
Development serves as full-time Secretariat to
the NCE. This Unit is also involved in policy
development and guidance, and is responsible
for regional and international environmental
relations and for promoting environmental
awareness in Brunei. In effect, the Environment
Unit serves as the institution with direct
operational competence over environmental
matters.
In 1994, NCE established two working groups
on specific environmental issues, with members
from both the public and private sectors. The
Solid Waste Management Working Group aims
to establish a solid waste management strategy
responding to all forms of wastes, including
industrial, commercial and domestic wastes,
sewage sludge, hazardous wastes and clinical
wastes. The group is also tasked with
formulating necessary legal framework and
enforcement system to regulate the production
of these wastes as well as to stimulate greater
participation of the private sector in
establishing waste management facilities.
Findings
Solid waste continues to be a persistent issue
for most urban areas in the country. A growing
population and an increase in development
activities has been accompanied by an increase
in the amount of domestic and industrial
wastes generated. Consequently, some existing
Sungai-Akar
Brunei-Muara
Landfill Site
Image source:
Asia 3R
Conference
disposal sites have already surpassed their
capacity. A new, engineered sanitary landfill for
Brunei Muara District is still in the inception
stage. The local administration considers
development of an engineered sanitary landfill
as the first step towards establishment of an
integrated waste disposal arrangement.
With regard to present waste collection services,
for settlements on land there is a house-tohouse
waste collection service provided by
several private collectors. These services,
presently being utilized only by a relatively
small number of households, need to be further
promoted. Alternatively, households are
encouraged to dispose their wastes to roadside
communal bins provided at strategic locations.
Despite the availability of the above services
and facilities as well as the ongoing efforts to
promote cleanliness and awareness through
campaigns, media promotions and talks,
indiscriminate dumping and littering are still
evident and burning of wastes remains a
common practice by some households.
In addressing the problems associated with
solid waste disposal in Kampung Ayer, houseto-house
waste collection services and clearing
of floating rubbish have since been introduced
in many places. Public support in utilizing the
available facilities and services is necessary to
achieve the desired results. At the same time,
efforts to extend waste disposal facilities and
Chapter 3: Country Analysis
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