BSB’s Future: Public Demands Action, Planners Promise Patience

Bandar Seri Begawan’s bold vision for the future faces a crossroads. As planners push forward with promises of transformation, public frustration is growing. Is the capital living up to its lofty ambitions, or is progress stuck in neutral? Explore the tension between dream and reality in Brunei’s evolving capital. MHO

By Malai Hassan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan, October 18, 2024 – Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB), was once poised to be the centrepiece of Brunei’s Vision 2035. Ambitious plans to create a vibrant, eco-friendly city full of cultural charm and economic dynamism were outlined in hopes of transforming the nation.

However, as time progresses, a growing chorus of complaints from residents and business owners alike raises the critical question: Has Bandar Seri Begawan fulfilled its potential, or is it still grappling with unrealised ambitions?

Expansion Without Momentum?

The expansion of Bandar Seri Begawan’s municipal boundaries in 2007 was viewed as a pivotal move, increasing the city’s footprint from 12.87 to 100.36 square kilometres.

This was expected to herald a new era of economic growth and urban revitalisation. Yet, as the years pass, the promised transformation has been slow to materialise.

The Bandar Seri Begawan Development Master Plan (2011) outlined a clear vision for a bustling waterfront, sustainable housing, and a vibrant tourism sector.

However, residents report that, in many areas, progress remains frustratingly stagnant.

"I walk through the city, and it feels as though things have stalled," one business owner shared.

"Where’s the vibrancy we were promised?" This sentiment is echoed widely among the public, as economic activity in key areas of the capital has slowed.

The once-bustling downtown area now struggles to attract the kind of business and energy that city planners had envisioned.

Public Sentiment: Challenges on the Ground

Residents and local businesses are vocal about the everyday issues that persist in BSB.

Despite the city’s expansion and development initiatives, waste management continues to plague areas like Kampong Ayer, the iconic water village.

Floating debris booms have been installed to capture trash in the Brunei River, but pollution and waste remain a common sight.

The city’s infrastructure struggles to keep up with the demands of a modern capital.

Beyond waste management, parking and traffic congestion are constant headaches for BSB residents.

With few reliable public transportation options, many feel that basic infrastructure upgrades have fallen short.

These are not new issues but ones that have persisted despite ongoing plans to modernise the city.

Contrasting the Vision with Reality

Town planners had a bold vision for Bandar Seri Begawan, one that would position it as a green, modern city in line with Brunei’s long-term goals for Vision 2035.

Some improvements have been made, including efforts to enhance pedestrian accessibility and beautify public spaces.

Yet, the reality on the ground reflects a stark gap between these ambitious goals and the lived experiences of the city’s residents and business owners.

Experts have pointed out that economic growth is crucial to BSB’s success. Cities around the world drive 80% of economic growth, yet BSB’s role as an economic engine remains underdeveloped.

For many, this stagnation raises concerns that the city is not being fully utilised to unlock Brunei’s economic potential.

Public Frustration: Missing Opportunities

Calls for inclusive governance, where the public has a greater role in shaping the city’s development, have grown louder.

The success of recent projects like the Gadong and Kianggeh Night Markets, where public feedback was actively integrated, offers a blueprint for how public involvement can lead to effective results.

However, such initiatives are few and far between. The broader public perception is that public feedback on larger, more significant projects has not been taken as seriously.

Residents feel that more needs to be done to recalibrate city management policies and fast-track urban growth.

Without significant reforms, Bandar Seri Begawan will struggle to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

The city’s development process requires not just physical expansion but a shift toward inclusive economic policies that directly benefit its residents.

Inclusive Development and Economic Growth

The call for inclusive development is echoed by many in BSB. For the city to grow, there needs to be greater public involvement in governance.

Creating a feedback loop between policymakers and the public could drive positive change, helping BSB meet the needs of its residents while capitalising on new economic opportunities.

This sentiment reflects a growing belief among the public that inclusive governance is the missing ingredient in unlocking the city’s true potential.

At the same time, there is a strong desire for economic openness to attract investment and talent, much like Dubai’s immigration and economic policies.

While Brunei’s policies have largely protected local industries, there is an argument that a more competitive economic environment could push BSB toward becoming a global city.

Immigration reforms could expand the population base and increase economic dynamism, allowing BSB to punch above its weight.

Public Demand for Infrastructure Improvements

In terms of infrastructure, some experts highlight the need for further upgrading and re-engineering of the city’s development strategy.

The suggestion to build vertically to accommodate the growing demand for housing and commercial spaces is particularly relevant in a city where urban sprawl has reached its limits.

Public calls for better housing, more commercial spaces, and recreational facilities reflect the pressing need for infrastructure that matches the city’s expansion.

The Response from Planners and Stakeholders

City planners and officials continue to argue that the long-term vision for BSB remains intact.

Efforts to enhance the city’s appeal through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and sustainable infrastructure projects are ongoing.

While delays and setbacks have been acknowledged, officials maintain that transforming a city as culturally significant as BSB requires time and resources.

However, the public is growing impatient. While Bandar Seri Begawan’s planners push for patience, the public’s frustration is clear: they want results, not just promises.

Economic stagnation in key areas of the city and the lack of meaningful public participation in the development process only add to this frustration.

Looking Ahead: Can the Vision Be Realized?

As Bandar Seri Begawan continues its journey toward Vision 2035, the gap between the public’s expectations and the pace of development remains a critical issue.

With calls for inclusive governance, infrastructure improvements, and a more open economy, residents and stakeholders alike are eager for progress.

The coming years will be critical in determining whether Bandar Seri Begawan can realise its full potential as a vibrant, dynamic capital that serves both its people and the nation’s ambitions for the future.

Conclusion: While the aspirations for Bandar Seri Begawan remain high, the reality on the ground presents a complex picture.

As the city’s planners work to implement their long-term strategies, public frustration highlights the growing need for tangible progress that benefits both residents and businesses. (MHO/10/2024)