Inequality
The word ‘inequality’ has been discussed extensively, but did you know that inequality pervades in many low-income neighbourhoods?
In July 2014, HDB informed the Dakota Crescent residents that the estate was slated for redevelopment and they had to move out by Dec 2016. Most of the residents, who are elderly and/ or immobile, find the process of relocation challenging because they had to leave their old homes and its accompanying memories and start anew.
With the intention of preserving the estate’s heritage, we pioneered tours in Dakota Crescent to raise awareness about the social issues. The Dakota Crescent residents co-guided the tour, sharing the memories they weaved and friendships they forged in Dakota Crescent. Between 2015-2017, we took over 1,500 Singaporeans through the estate, many who care about heritage, elderly, or just wanted to take a walk through the neighbourhood before it was gone. Or so we thought.
2015-present:
dakota adventures
One of the oldest public housing estates in Singapore, Dakota Crescent boasts of a rich history.
Beyond conducting Dakota tours, we realized the intangible educational and social elements of the estate through the narratives of the residents. We were compelled to appeal to the government to preserve the blocks in Dakota Crescent beyond its' architectural merits. Together with "Save Dakota Crescent", we submitted a conservation report to the Government. Our voices were heard and it was subsequently announced that 6 out of 15 blocks in Dakota Crescent are conserved.
2016-2017: between two homes & workshops
Apart from conducting workshops, we partnered with Run & Gun Media to create a multimedia website documenting the story of Dakota Crescent.
While some blocks are conserved, all the residents still had to move out. As many of them were elderly without dependents, we formed the Cassia Resettlement Team to help residents tide through this difficult period.
2016-2018:
Cassia resettlement team
We helped the Dakota residents relocate to Cassia and organised initiatives for them to reunite with their old neighbours.
The story of the Dakota Crescent estate is not unique.
And we believe the work to does not end here.