DEATH HOUSES AND HOSPICES: AN AUTOPSY OF SAGO LANE, SINGAPORE

Abstract

This paper explores Sago Lane, a street m Kreta Ayer (Chinatown), Singapore. The street was once (in)famous for its Death Houses. An attempt is made to tie in social, economics and political issues into the removal of this street. Ex-residents' sentiments of the street are examined. The national policies of 'clean and green' has silenced this 'death and dying' street but what people remember of is not of the 'dirt'. To some, this the place they identify with. The 'dirt' which had to be 'removed' was a way people identified with themselves.