On
her path to independence, Singapore went through many ups and
downs. The three-and-a-half years of Japanese Occupation had
worsened the economic state of Singapore. Rebuilding of the
whole Singapore after the war was therefore impossible, unless
sufficient funds was obtained. The locals knew that although
Singapore would be under British rule again, they could not
place complete trust on them protecting Singapore. Financial
problems faced by the people in Singapore grew worse as the
population of Singapore increased during the days of rebuilding
after the war. There was serious unemployment and an acute housing
shortage. Most people lived in squatters and in rural areas
where they did not have electricity, modern sanitation or even
piped water. There was racial discrimination between the races
as Singaporeans were living in different ethnic, religious and
cultural groupings with a lack of common identity. The lack
of sensitivity from the colonial authorities was a factor behind
the mob fury and riots. Many were injured, while some died due
to the riots. Political parties were formed during this era
with the aim of gaining self-government from the British. The
plan for merging with Malaysia would have lots of advantages
such as job opportunities. However, it was not a complete success.
|
|
Source:
Arasv, V.T. and Singh, D.(1984). Singapore – an Illustrated
History (1941 -1984). Singapore: Information Division,
Ministry of Culture. |
After
the war, the river continued to be essential to the livelihood
of the people. Life was difficult as the area around the Singapore
River had deteriorated badly after the war.
Slums
and squatters could be found along the river where people built
their living quarters using discarded materials. As a result,
it was common to see people savanging through the dumps looking
for materials which they could use.
Such
activities were a common sight and a reminder of the hard times
faced during this period.
|
This
photograph showed a row of squatters found along the Singapore
River in post-war Singapore. During this period, there was an
increase in the country's population. However, Singapore was
still trying to recover from the aftermath of war and occupation.
There was a lack of public funding for basic facilities, such
as housing, water and electricity. Many of the poor were forced
to make do with the poor living conditions.
|
Source:
Lu, G. (1999). Singapore – A Pictorial History (1819-2000).
Singapore: Didier Millet. |
Source:
Lu, G. (1999). Singapore – A Pictorial History (1819-2000).
Singapore: Didier Millet.
|
Constructed
in 1954-55, the Bank of China was among the first skyscrapers
to be built in the country. As the development slowed during
the period of Japanese Occupation, the modern architecture of
this building greatly contrasted with that of the other buildings
in the area.
Along
with the Asia Insurance Building, the Bank of China stood proudly
towering the other three-four storey buildings in the area.
|
A
common sight along the river in the evening were these storytellers.
Squatting on the banks of the river, they were a form of entertainment
for the people who worked and lived there. These people, usually
coolies who were likely to be illiterate, relied on these storytellers
to help them unwind after a hard day's work. A joss-stick burning
in front of the storyteller worked as an indicator to how much
longer he would be telling the tales and was also a sign for
the audience to pay up.
|
Source:
National Archives of Singapore |
|
Source:
National Archives of Singapore |
Even
during this period of time, alfresco dining was taking placed
along the river. Hawkers set up small stalls along the Singapore
River providing much needed norishment to the workers in the
area. All that was needed then were some small stools and tables.
With a simple shelter for protection from the elements, many
seeked out a living in this manner.
Food
was cheap then, with the customers paying only for the rice
or porridge they consumed. Small dishes such as peanuts and
salted vegetables were provided for free.
|
Source:
Lu, G. (1999). Singapore – A Pictorial History (1819-2000).
Singapore: Didier Millet.
|
As
Singapore moved towards self-government, different political
parties were formed such the People's Action Party (PAP) and
Barisan Sosialis. The Fullerton Square became a popular spot
for these parties to hold their rallies due to the large number
of educated voters who were working in the area. The weather
did not seem to deter the people as whether rain or shine, they
would gather in the area during lunchtime to hear the party
members make their speeches.
|
Source:
Lu, G. (1999). Singapore – A Pictorial History
(1819-2000). Singapore: Didier Millet.
|
After the election on 21 September 1963, the PAP won most
of the seats in the parliament. With this impressive victory,
a rally was held in front of Fullerton Building. Many people
had turned up to show their support for the party and to listen
to the rally speech. There were even people sitting on the
edges of the building.
|
Source:
Jennings, E. ( ). Singaore Panorama –
150 years of Singapore in Pictures . Singapore: The Straits
Times Press. |
Taken
in the 1960s, this photograph showed how much Singapore had
developed since the Japanese Occupation. The river continued
to be filled with bumboats and companies continued to operate
in the shophouses along the river. The height of the buildings
in the vincinity also indicated the continual growth of commercial
and finanical activities around the mouth of the river.
|
Singapore
River continued to be a important transportation artery for
the traders who operate along the river. Things were also
getting more advance as cranes and lorries were used to help
with the loading and unloading`of the goods brought in by
the bumboats.
However,
the living conditions in this area continued to be poor. This
was because the shophouses in these area were built in the
pre-war era. Most of them were in poor condition. Yet, in
these shophouses, families continued to reside on the upper
floors, while they run their businesses on the ground floor.
|
Source:
Jennings, E. ( ). Singaore Panorama –
150 years of Singapore in Pictures . Singapore: The Straits
Times Press. |
|
Source:
National Archives of Singapore |
Unlike
the bumboats seen in the river nowadays, the tongkang used to
ferry goods up and down the river were much bigger. They can
be loaded with much more goods, increasing their efficiency
per trip made.
Different
colours can be spotted at the head of each tongkang, indicating
the dialect group which the boat was owned by.
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