PROBLEMS AFTER THE WAR HAD ENDED! (2 SEPTEMBER 1945)

PROBLEMS AFTER WAR! The people of Singapore were relieved when they heard about the surrender of the Japanese in 1945. They thought that life would improve after the return of the British. However, they continued to suffer even after the war. Prices of food items increased to ten times the prices before the war. Many people were hungry and unhappy. Some even searched through the rubbish heaps in the hope of finding something edible or usable. Many people were poor and life was hard for them. Some people did odd jobs while others became hawkers, selling anything they could get their hands on.

Shortage of Housing and Poor Public Health

The bombed of Singapore by the Japanese caused many houses to collapse. Others were damaged. There was a shortage of houses, so rents increased. Many people could not afford the high rents. Often, as many as ten people crammed into a small room. Living conditions were unhealthy and diseases such as tuberculosis spread easily. The poor public health was also a result of the war. Bombs created pot-holes in the roads which bred mosquitoes and flies. These insects reproduced rapidly and spread diseases among the people.

Shortage of Water and Electricity

There was a shortage of water and electricity in Singapore. Most of the machinery used to filter and pump water was damaged during the war. Moreover, water pipes in building brust. As a result, there was not enough water for the people. People had to be careful about how they handle water. Machinery for generating electricity was also damaged. With little electricity, the streets were unsafe at night as they were not lit.

TAKEN FROM: http://singaporeinthepast.webs.com/afterworldwar2.htm