Losheng Preservation Movement

Event description

The "Losheng Sanatorium," located in Xinzhuang, was built in 1932. At that time, due to the contagious and incurable nature of Hansen's Disease (leprosy), the Japanese government concentrated all patients in Taiwan at the Losheng Sanatorium for isolation. This isolation and treatment policy continued until the 1990s when Hansen's Disease became effectively controlled.

In 1994, the Taipei MRT Corporation planned to repurpose Losheng into a metro maintenance facility, adopting a policy of "build first, demolish later." After 2001, Taiwanese society began to focus on the resettlement of Losheng residents and the cultural heritage value of the sanatorium. Many groups suggested preserving the entire sanatorium, but the MRT Corporation proceeded to demolish some buildings. In 2004, university students concerned about this issue established the "Losheng Youth Alliance"

In 2005, construction of the new Losheng facility was completed, and over a hundred residents moved in. However, some residents were unwilling to relocate, leading to the conservation of cultural heritage and anti-eviction becoming the two main pillars of the Losheng preservation movement. Around 2007, residents and activist groups faced pressure both from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government and the anger of local residents in Xinzhuang due to delays in the construction of the MRT. Despite political and social pressures, the residents and Losheng Youth Alliance continued their resistance, expressing their demands to the government and advocating for the human rights of Hansen's Disease patients.

As of 2023, the elderly residents continue to age, and the Losheng preservation movement remains ongoing. The movement has addressed various issues such as human rights, community, urban planning, and forms of resistance, making it a crucial case in Taiwan's public discourse.

Outcome

After the protests in 2007, the Executive Yuan made a commitment to "preserve 40 buildings and relocate/reconstruct 9 buildings" of the Losheng Sanatorium. In 2012, the Taipei Metro Xinzhuang Line was successfully opened.

In 2019, the Executive Yuan proposed the "Comprehensive Development Plan for the Losheng Sanatorium Area," with the goal of completing the restoration of the entire sanatorium by 2024.

Participating Organizations