By M K Anwar
Deteriorating bridge poses a safety hazard. Photo: Hj
Minor Absah
The Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park in the Tutong District can be
considered a major attraction for locals and foreigners alike. It is
however very saddening to see this place slowly forgotten by the relevant
authorities in the fast pace of development.
The Weekend Bulletin went to the park and saw that it has been left
untouched without any maintenance. The amenities that have been provided
are now deteriorating, especially the bridge that connect visitors to a
small island in the middle of the lake.
Another sad fact is the condition of the lake, where some parts of it
have been littered by sharp objects used during the construction of the
bridges. Some of the huts built long ago for visitors have also been left
without any maintenance. There are now no more rooftops on some of these
huts, while the benches inside a hut built on the small island in the
middle of the lake cannot be used anymore.
The Ketua Kampong of Merimbun, Untong Madah said that the damages on
the amenities at the park have been reported during a monthly meeting with
the Tutong District Office. He also told the Bulletin that vandals have
damaged the public telephone and toilets provided at the park.
The loss of appeal at the park had resulted in the declining number of
visitors. Some time ago, locals and tourists would frequently visit this
heritage park. It was a main attraction during holidays for families to
come and have their picnics at the park.
It is therefore hoped that relevant authorities would act quickly on
preserving the appeal of the park. The park is believed to be holding some
historical and natural value. Leaving it to deteriorate would mean
forgetting all these valuables assets for our growing tourism industry and
probably for our future interests.
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