Su

"Any great development has its cost."

    - Former Prime Minister Su Tseng-Chang 

Lee

"I would rather die than leave the Losheng Sanatorium!"

- Leader of Losheng Self-help Group Lee Tien-Pei

People in Taiwan had hardly heard about Losheng Leprosy Sanatorium until a few months ago. Established in 1930 as a dedicated leprosy treatment facility, Losheng is not only a legacy of the Japanese colonial past but also a witness to medical history. Due to the isolation policies in the past for the prevention of epidemics, Losheng was a quiet retreat in the outskirts of town.

In 1954, the Taiwanese government abolished the isolation policy, but many recovered patients preferred to stay in Losheng. They had got used to life in the compound and had become family to each other. Most wished to live a peaceful and quiet life in Losheng to the end of their lives.

In 1994, Losheng was chosen as a reserved site for a metro terminal. Residents didn ’t face the move until 2003 when some buildings were demolished. A few experts began to appeal to the government to take action to protect the historic heritage. More and more people, mostly students, have joined the campaign since then.

After years of protest, the outcry from Losheng was finally heard. Former Prime Minister Su Tseng-Chang agreed to review the construction plan in April. The result was announced in May that 50 percent of Losheng will be protected.

Whether the controversy will end soon is unknown; many issues are apparently worth further discussion:

 

Humanity Culture

Decades ago, the residents of Losheng were sent to the sanatorium and isolated for the welfare of the public. Today, they are forced to move for the public good again...

"The stories that happened at the place made it even more precious. Some buildings were built by the residents themselves. Some were sponsored by the area where they came from..."

Development Environment

"We respect the Losheng supporters' right to expression, and we never blame them. Yet we also hope people hear our voice: we need the metro..."

"Losheng Leprosy Sanatorium was able to keep its green land due to its remote location. It provides a natural site for people to have a break from the busy city. “

Government

Observations

"To justify the sacrifice, we should examine if a sacrifice of the same level can be found in a similar case. If not, then it’s injustice...”

Many experts admitted that they were moved to support Losheng because of the passion of the students. What makes the Losheng campaign different from other student movements?

 

For the purpose of a visitor survey, a CHINESE version of the video and audio materials can be found HERE.

感謝您的參觀,請由此進入影音報導中文網頁