Source : The Straits Times, Oct 15, 2007
I REFER to the report, 'Granite stockpile: Farmers take 'fresh' approach' (ST, Oct 11) and would like to offer my views.
Since the days of early settlement up to the 1990s, the Kranji area has been populated by generations of farmers. Eking out a humble living, they farmed in order to survive.
With land acquisition, these farmers had to leave. Most, if not all, left without protest even though their livelihood was affected. Like so many Singaporeans over the decades, they probably accepted change for the common good.
Ironically, the land along Neo Tiew Road was put out to tender and a new breed of farmers took over. The tender system by which land was leased meant only affluent individuals or businesses could operate plots there. Some even sought out a retirement lifestyle, quite unlike the hardscrabble lives of the early farmers.
Now, the proposed granite stockpile has upset these new- generation farmers. Despite an earlier assurance from the authorities, they have taken up their case with the Prime Minister.
However valid their grouses, be they about dust or a change in overall ambiance, I hope they can see things in perspective by accepting that sacrifices still need to be made. Reflecting on the stringent sacrifices made not so long ago by their predecessors may help.
Errol Goodenough
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