The spirit of unity and cohesiveness between the leaders and residents in a kampung must be upheld. As such, the Kampung Consultative Council plays an important role in strengthening relations between the two sides so as ensure a smooth running, successful and excellent administration of the village.

This was highlighted by the Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs at a ceremony for the appointment of ketua of Kampung Pandan ‘A’ Monday. Dato Paduka Haji Adnan in his speech stressed on the duties of the Consultative Council Committee that include assisting the ketua kampung in planning community development projects that can upgrade the sosio-economic standard of the people.

Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Udin who is 59, was officially appointed as Ketua of Kampung Pandan ‘A’ on the 24th of May this year. He was formerly a stadium Assistant Manager at the Youth and Sports department. Kampung Pandan ‘A’ in the Belait District has a population of 4,700.

There have been some heavy downpours for the past few months in Brunei Darussalam. Some parts of its four districts, especially low-lying areas, have experienced flooding due to continuous rainfall.

According to the meteorological department, Brunei is experiencing a tropical depression. Among the affected areas is Kampong Lamunin in Tutong, especially its low-lands, that have houses situated near a river.

However, with an improved drainage system, it did not take long for the water to recede. Due to the prevalent wet weather, road users are advised to be extra careful when travelling on the road, especially during heavy rain.

It is estimated that some 100 thousand to 110 thousand cars are on Brunei roads today; thus, making an average of one car for every 3.5 person.

According to the Brunei Auto Trader Association or BATA, the automobile sales until last November had surpassed the total figure last year of 13 thousand 200 units to 13 thousand 5 hundred and 53 units, a slight increase of more than 3 percent.

However, the increase in not as big as that of last year compared to 2003, which saw sale of only 8 thousand 407 units, increasing almost three quarter the following year. The strongest sales performance so far was in March and October this year with 1,407 and 1,402 units respectively.

This was partly due to promotional sales and purchase without deposits from automobile companies. November, however recorded the lowest figure with one thousand 8 units.

The highest registration of cars in the country so far was in 1997 with a total of 14 thousand 299 units with the lowest of 6 thousand 1 hundred and 89 units in 2000.

A sales festival being held in Seria Town has entered its final week. It is the second festival in the Belait District after the September ‘Pasti Riuh’ carnival. Pestaneka Seria which began early this month is a joint effort output by a government agency and entrepreneurs in Seria to promote sales of various products at the marketplace.

The main aim is to attract as many customers so as to increase business and economic growth. This follows laments from the Seria market vendors that business there had been slow and bleak. Asides stalls selling various items from foodstuff to clothes wear and household products, various events are also held at the weekends to further enliven the festive atmosphere.

This week, the Belait branch of the Pertiwi Association conducts a cooking contest, open to visitors. Other events that attract public interest are the Go-Kart race and an exhibition of cars audio-system.