RESIDENTS of Kampung Telisai in Tutong District are calling for government help in preserving the century-old Telisai trees threatened by sea water and erosion.
The trees abound in a beach called Pantai Tumpuan Telisai, a popular weekend getaway for families. The place used to be a favourite egg-laying area for turtles, but the shoreline is receding and now the lovely reptiles have stayed away for years now.
"Actually, it is not just the trees, but we want to save the beach area as well as the recreational park," said a concerned resident who asked to be called only "Gden".
The Telisai Recreational Park is situated along Telisai Beach.
The over 100-year-old trees, from which the village is believed to have derived its name, grow along the sandy beaches of Telisai.
"The trees are a part of the village history and if the trees are eroded by the sea water, then the next generation won't be able to see it and they won't know the origin of the kampung's name," said Gden.
"If there are big waves or when there is high tide, the water will reach the roots of the trees," he explained, adding the high salinity of the sea water had killed a number of trees.
Gden is not just a one-man campaign to save the trees as currently, with the support of the Tutong District Office, the villagers have resorted to using old tyres to build a temporary retaining wall in their efforts to slow down the erosion process caused by the inundation of the sea water.
"But for how long? It's becoming useless. The villagers have written a proposal to build concrete retaining walls to the Public Works Department (JKR) and also the Ministry of Development. It has been a few years and we are still waiting," he said.
Gden said the letter was sent with the help of the ketua kampung (head villager).
Although they have received a reply saying that the matter would be looked into, until today no improvement has been made.
The trees can be found in other areas but Gden pointed out the bigger ones are found in Telisai and the villagers do not want to lose them.
The beach, called Pantai Tumpuan Telisai, is a point where villagers gather during weekends and public holidays to enjoy spending time with their families.
"Five years ago, turtles would come to shore to lay their eggs but now the shoreline is receding so they can't lay their eggs there anymore," he added.
"They (relevant authorities) need to make a proper retaining wall that's all, to save the trees, the beach and the recreational park," he said.
The Brunei Times
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