1998 Kallang Gas Works

Nov 15, 2010 23:59

The Kallang Gas Works was built in 1862 to supply the first piped gas in Singapore to enable street lighting. The Kallang Gas Works was under 24 hr surveillance, guarded by Ghurkhas since it was opened. It was given the Hokkien nickname huay sia or "fire city" because of superstitious fears that it might just blow up. There were altogether four tanks operated in the Kallang Gas Works. Nos. 1 and 2 tanks were built with the original plant in 1862 and were in use until they were demolished in 1957. No.3 tank was built before 1900 whilst No. 4 tank was built between 1908 to 1909. Over the years, piped gas became more important as fuel for cooking and water heating, particularly with rapid housing development in the 1960s and 1970s. Its original function for gas lighting faded as electricity took over street lighting in 1906 and the last gas lamp disappeared in 1956.

The Singapore Gas Company serviced primarily street lighting, until 1901 when the Municipal Commissioners took over its responsibilities. From 1901 to 1930, coal carbonising plants were installed and used until 1958 when the gas works was converted to use oil gasification. Small boats carrying coal can be seen along Rochor River. There was a big tall gate for the coal to be transported into the Gas Works.

Informations from http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_750_2005-01-11.html

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Here are some photos taken in 24th April 1998, after my secondary school sports day. That day, the sports day ended early and was wondering where to go. Suddenly, an idea came to me. I read on the paper that the Kallang Gas Works was closed down in March, it will be a good opportunity to take a look and have it documented for History. Luckily, I brought my film camera along and have quite a number of empty exposure. When I was there, I went to the friendly Indian security guard and ask for permission to enter the Gas Works. He agreed, probably seeing me in school uniform, must be doing school project.

The entrance, beside the Manmatha Karuneshvarar Temple.



The iconic blue cylinder, which was the gas holding tank.



Gasholder No.3 . Commissioned in 1901, the oldest structure remained in Gas Works.



For more photos in the Gas Works, please visit my flickr album at :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/krisgage/sets/72157625271519349/with/5178912294/

In addition, there was actually another Gas Works I know of. It was at Tanglin Halt where my classmate stays. It was near the Ford car showroom and the old Van Holten chocolate factory.

This is the main gate I took recently.



Evident of its past.



For more informations and photos, please visit this great blog :

http://2ndshot.blogspot.com/2009/07/2nd-shot-pub-gas-tank-at-tanglin-halt.html
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