Sometime in May/June 2011, the Urban Redevelopment Authority gazetted the Bukit Brown Cemetery site for redevelopment.
It was then reported in the Straits Times that “A favourite haunt of heritage buffs and joggers, the cemetery located off Lornie Road will be making way to meet the country’s housing needs.”
3 days ago, a detailed writeup of the Bukit Brown site depicted a tale of history, culture and how the prominent figures who were buried there have played significant roles in the early history of Singapore. The tombs of several important persons clearly carry with them the thoughts, traditions and beliefs of the families at that era.
I am not someone who fancy much about visiting ancient graves and tombs, but I do feel a deep sense of loss if this plot of land, seemingly rich in history of the country’s early settlements, is transformed to another concrete jungle of modern architecture to “meet the country’s housing needs” .
With the onslaught of condominiums and public housing coming its way, and with many locals owning mulitple properties – many of which remain vacant in anticipation of unrealistic rent or unoccupied due to falling demand from overseas expats – I find it disturbing to imagine that the existing and upcoming supply cannot meet the country’s housing needs.
It is indeed a shame that a piece of history needs to be ripped off existence, only to be remembered by future generations with photos and video footages.
In retrospect, many serene parts of the City State – with lush greenery and tranquility – are slowly giving way to high rise condominiums – such as the Diary Farm area.
Is it a display of guilty conscience to compensate such destruction of pockets of history and nature with man-made “Gardens” that are strategically located to seemingly boost visitors’ impressions of the Garden City?
I hope not.
This is clearly a topic to debate.
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