Singaporeans
had to fight for survival on their own as it is a small island country
with no natural resources and a growing population of different
races and religions. The challenges that Singapore faced when she
gained her independence seemed to be insurmountable. It was the
strong determination of the people and the good leadership from
her government that Singapore was able to grow to the position she
is in now.
Policies
were made and bills were passed to help Singapore grow as a country.
From curbing the population growth to beautifying the city with
greenery, Singapore benefited from many of such campaigns that sculpted
the country to where she is now. One of which was the Clean Rivers
Campaign launched in 1977, when the Singapore River had undergone
intensive cleaning and renewal to create its current clean and modern
environment.
While
there were many changes that took place along the river over the
years, there were also many activates which had continued from the
past. The use of the South Bank as the commercial heart of Singapore
is still clearly seen by the multitude of offices and banks which
are located along Shenton Way and Raffles Place today. The North
Bank, which was initially set aside for the government as administrative
centre, is also the location of the new Parliament House. Although
cleared of dockside activities, bumboats are still seen ferrying
visitors and locals alike up and down the river to learn about Singapore's
history.
As
Singapore entered the era of independence, the area around
the Singapore River began to modernise. With the setting up
of the Urban Renewal Department in 1966, more construction
was taking place along with the clearing of slums and building
of infrastructure.
The
construction of skyscrapers greatly altered the landscape
around the river. These buildings consist mainly of banks
and finance companies which helped to position Singapore as
the regional financial hub. From the earlier days of the Bank
of China and Asia Insurance Building, new structures continued
to grow in height. The tallest building under construction
in the photograph taken in the 1970s was the United Overseas
Bank (UOB).
|
Source:
Lu, G. (1999). Singapore – A Pictorial History (1819-2000).
Singapore: Didier Millet. |
Source:
Dobbs , S. (2003). The Singapore River – A Social
History 1819-2002. Singapore: Singapore University
Press.
|
By
1977, then Prime Minister Mr Lee Kwan Yew launched the Clean
Rivers Campaign. This campaign was launched to due to the
poor state of Singapore's waters by this period of time. Pollution
in terms of oil spills and waste water from the bumboats as
well as activities such as boats repair and maintenance had
created an environment that was inhospitable.
Through
this campaign, massive resettlement of squatters took place.
The different industrial activities that took place along
the upper reaches of the river were also reallocated and the
last islet, Pulau Saigon was reclaimed.
This
photograph showed the river in the process of being cleared
of debris. Even the shophouses and godowns along the river
were not spared of the same fate. Other dilapidated buildings
were cleared to make way for new buildings while others were
restored for future usage.
|
Not
many people would consider swimming in Singapore river,
especially before the Clean Rivers Campaign was launched.
However, after the river was cleaned up, activities such
as swimming across the river could been seen, especially
in the upper reaches of the river.
Fishes
were also released into the river after its successful cleanup.
Many wondered if they would survive in the river and in
1987, divers did find small fishes surviving well in the
river.
|
Source:
National Archives of Singapore
|
|
Source:
The Inncrowd Hostel, Singapore. (2002). Million Dollar Duck
Race (24 Nov 2002) . [On-Line]. Available: http://www.the-inncrowd.com/imagesduckrace/index.htm.
(April 02, 2005).
|
The
Great Singapore Duck Race started in 1998 was an even that
took place annually along the Singapore River. Millions of
littel yellow rubber ducks were released into the river and
pushed along by both humans and tide in hope of being the
first duck to past the finishing line. Together with the Singapore
River Raft Race, Singaporeans can once more enjoy water activities
along the Singapore River. However, swimming is still not
recommended.
|
Source:
Jennings, E. ( ). Singapore Panorama – 150 years of
Singapore in Pictures . Singapore: The Straits Times
Press. |
Scenes
of people gathering around the stage to watch Chinese Opera
could still be seen along the upper reaches of the Singapore
River in the 1960s. Like the troupes of the past, the performers
set up a temporary stage for a few days in order to provide
the much appreciated entertainment to the people who lived
along the river. However, with the increasing availability
of the television and movies, such traditional art form was
considered to be outdated and soon loses its appeal, especially
to the younger crowd.
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