The old city of Wuhan is disappearing before her population's eyes. Within the last several years, millions of citizens have seen the infrastructure become modernized with new highways and roads through the city, sewer and subway under the city, and six bridges over the Yangtze River. Beautiful outdoor malls and 45 story apartment buildings rise up from every district of Wuhan. It is truly a transformative time for the city and citizens.
As with anything, there is a downside to this remarkable growth. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced as their homes are torn down to give way to mammoth malls and corporate skyscrapers. Our interpreter's family was relocated 4 years ago into a new apartment building. They have more room in their apartment, but now they live far away from old friends and family. Our sister school is along the 'old lane' of Wuhan. The old lane area is very historical with traditional Chinese architecture of colorful wooden buildings. Families who have moved into Wuhan from the rural areas live and work along the old lane. The shops and storefronts are very spartan and rundown, but the citizens are able to makeenough money to feed their families, and the store is also where they live. Now, a new school is being constructed nearby. We wonder what will become not only of the old lane but also of the families who will not be able to make a living if they are relocated to a high-rise apartment building.
No comments:
Post a Comment