New Taipei City Mayor Eric Chu (朱立倫) yesterday criticized the Sansia District (三峽) Office for replacing paving stones in the district’s Old Street and apologized to the public for the city government’s mistake.
Chu said that the city government would look into measures to prevent similar mistakes from happening, while seeking to repair the damage.
The paving stones in Old Street had the district’s history engraved on their surfaces and also featured the work of renowned painter Lee Mei-shu (李梅樹), both of which were considered a unique feature of the area.
Photo: Chang An-chiao, Taipei Times
Lee also presided over the reconstruction and design of the Sansia Chingshui Master Temple (清水祖師廟), which become well known nationwide for its craftsmanship and design.
Local historical and cultural preservation groups criticized the district office for destroying culture after it tore up the paving stones near the street’s entrance and replaced them with asphalt on the grounds that the stones became too slippery when wet.
It is surprising that the government would lurch into action without consulting the public, Chu said, adding that he wished to extend an apology on behalf of the municipal government.
The government is also likely to hand out due punishment after an investigation, he said.
The history and culture groups, as well as long-time residents, have been invited to help restore the street, Chu said, adding that the district’s history and culture are important factors that should be preserved.
“Modern technology can resolve the issue of paving stones being more slippery than asphalt, and we must respect and conserve local history and culture,” Chu said.
Chu said the New Taipei City Cultural Affairs Department, Civic Affairs Department and the Sansia District Office would be tasked with negotiating with residents on how to restore the street’s entrance to its former state.
The metal grates and metallic engravings that were torn up depicted scenes from some of Sansia’s earliest days, including the packaging of rice noodles and tea leaves, as well as a battle fought in Sansia by Republic of Formosa forces against the Japanese, local residents said, adding that the pieces removed by the district office represent local culture and the area’s unique historical development.
The short-lived Republic of Formosa was an effort to resist Japan’s claim over Taiwan after it was ceded to Japan by the Qing Empire following the loss of the first Sino-Japanese war in 1894.
The manager of the Can, a cultural-creative group established near the temple, said the district office did not consult with residents before tearing up the paving stones, adding that there could be no hope of establishing tourism based on local culture if the office continues to sacrifice culture and history at every turn.
Lee Mei-shu Memorial Museum acting director Lee Ching-wen (李景文) said that it was sad to see the district office take action without consulting local history and culture groups, adding that should the same principle be applied overseas, the plaza in front of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome should be torn up as it is also paved with stone.
Sansia District Office Chief Chen Chien-min (陳建民) said the office was willing to take suggestions on how to improve local infrastructure, adding that while the office was sorry it had not taken public opinion into account before the work commenced, the issue of public safety should also be taken into consideration.
Additional reporting by CNA
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