We didn't stay long during the previous field research visit to Yuanjhong Port Wetland. On 21st DEC, 2006, we visited Yuanjhong Port Wetland again to take more photos. And we encountered Mr. Jung-Fa Cheng, a local fisherman, to have the following interview: |
Q¡GHow old are you now, Mr. Cheng? In which year were you born? |
A¡GI was born in 1932. I am now 75 years. |
Q¡GHow long have you been living in this area? |
A¡GMore than 50 years by now. |
Q¡GDo you own those fish farms? |
A¡GNo, I am hired to take care of those fishes. |
Q¡GHas the government recently expropriated those fish farms? |
Yes. |
Q¡GWhen did it actually start? |
A¡GSince 2005. |
Q¡GSo, have all of the farms been expropriated by the government already?
|
A¡GFor most of them, yes. Only one or two left but soon they will be taken, too. |
Q¡GHow does the local people think of this action?
|
A¡GWhat can we think of? Of course, we accept this decision. |
Q¡GWas there anyone against this decision?
|
A¡GSurely not! Why against it? We shall be contented by what's given. What else is desired? |
Q¡GHow much did the government pay for the expropriation?
|
A¡GAbout 5 million dollars per Jia (Jia is a measure of land in Taiwan and one Jia is equal to 0.97 hectare) |
Q¡GDo you think this payment is enough? |
A¡GYes. The payment is calculated according to the land price. So, it's okay. |
Q¡GDo you know why the land is expropriated for?
|
A¡GWe don't know exaactly. They didn't explain much. |
Q¡GSo, you don't mind whatever the land is used for? |
A¡GAs long as we get paid, who cares what it is used for? Everybody is happy. That's all. |
Q¡GHow many residents haven't moved out yet? |
A¡GNot many. I am one of the last. |
Q¡GIf the government doesn't expropriate the land, will you able to make a life with fish farms? |
A¡GIt depends. The weather matters. Sometimes when cold currents come, there is less output and the price is higher. |
Q¡GThose fish output is sold abroad or in Taiwan? |
A¡GIn Taiwan only. |
Q¡GHow long have the fish farms existed in this neighborhood?
|
A¡GIt has been here for quite a long time. From the old times till now, one generation passes on to the next generation. |
Q¡GHow about yourself? How long have you been working here? |
A¡GEver since I was young. More than 50 years. |
Q¡GDo you think life is harder in recent years?
|
A¡GIt is hard to make money. But, in fact, as long as we have three meals everyday, what else to ask for? |
Q¡GWhat changes did you see in the past decade?
|
A¡GNothing special. We still have the same fishes. |
Q¡GMr. Cheng, it seems that living here keeps you in a good shape, right?
|
A¡GThat's right! The environment is very good here. Besides, doing exercise also helps. |
Q¡GAfter expropriation, where are you going to live? |
A¡GI will go back to my home town! |
Reflection
The government does care. In order to collect land for wetland planning, the government pays out tons of money. I think this kind of planning is great because it can shorten the distance between people and nature. It's a highly-valued development. I hope that the government will keep going and that the future beauty of Yuanjhong Port Wetland will bring a fresh atmosphere into Kaohsiung. |
