What's This Place About?Walking along the Boon Teck Road, I chanced upon a water kiosk. This small cart provides free water and tea to any thirsty passer-by. It was provided by the temple along Boon Teck Road called Thong Teck Sian Tong Lian Sia to provide clean water for the poorer folks, such as drivers of horse carriages, rickshaw men and others who were working in the area in the past. Clean water and tea was probably a luxury item in the past, despite water being a necessity for life. From this, I could infer that life was tough for the poor people and they might have a problem in terms of drinking clean water and having proper sanitation.
What's Interesting?
Despite the kind gesture, this water kiosk serves more as a historical purpose. In today’s context, clean water is being provided in abundance and easily from just the tap. We no longer face problems of obtaining clean water that is drinkable. Instead, I would doubt the cleanliness of the containers and wonder how long the water might have been in it and would not want to try tasting it. I also didn’t want to use the cups provided as someone else might have used it before me. Nevertheless, I felt that this kiosk should continue providing water and tea, so that as passer-by walk past, they may gain a better idea of how life was in the past for Singaporeans.
Despite the kind gesture, this water kiosk serves more as a historical purpose. In today’s context, clean water is being provided in abundance and easily from just the tap. We no longer face problems of obtaining clean water that is drinkable. Instead, I would doubt the cleanliness of the containers and wonder how long the water might have been in it and would not want to try tasting it. I also didn’t want to use the cups provided as someone else might have used it before me. Nevertheless, I felt that this kiosk should continue providing water and tea, so that as passer-by walk past, they may gain a better idea of how life was in the past for Singaporeans.
Author's Thoughts
On retrospect, I regret not tasting the water to have a glimpse of how life was like in the past. I would encourage you to check out this cart that has been standing there since the 1970s. It was originally located at Kim Keat Road at the 1040s but shifted to where it is today in the 1970s. Also, do try tasting the tea when you drop by. However, do bring your own cup along!
