Traveling their own road
Four years ago, news spread about a holy tree near Ssumakussu, attracting visitors and earning the village some tourism revenues. It did not amount to a lot of money, but it brought benefits to the villagers. On the other hand, the advent of tourists also brought habits of urban nightlife to Ssumakussu, with people staying up until the small hours, resulting in disruption to the village's timetable for the following day. "Though we need to earn money, Ssumakussu does not want to be contaminated by the city," says Tseng Chen-chuan.
More than ten years ago when the road to Hsinkuang was opened, the people of Ssumakussu were envious. Now, as the road to their own village approaches completion, and having seen the drawbacks for themselves, the villagers feel that there are many matters that first need to be considered.
The latest consensus is that the road should stop at the electricity pole, 500 meters outside the village. They don't want it any closer, to minimize the damage that it may do.
As this shows, the people of Ssumakussu are already weighing the pros and cons of the situation. On the one hand, there is the fact of the road's imminent arrival to within half a kilometer of the village. On the other hand, there are the various concerns about tourism, land, and way of life. Whether or not they can strike the balance they need depends entirely on the villagers themselves.
[Picture Caption]
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At the start of another day, the mists disperse to reveal a crisp clear morning.
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The villagers of Ssumakussu all live by farming. Bearing panniers, the women of the family head off to work in the orchards.
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On their way down the mountain, two villagers encounter a backhoe at the head of the works road. What kind of future will the road bring the village?
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As the road advances, trees are tossed aside like matchsticks, but deforestation leads to soil erosion.
Will Ssumakussu forsake its natural environment for the sake of economic gain?
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Bamboo used to be Ssumakussu's major crop, but fruit trees are taking over.
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Dad is hurrying to plant peach before the road is completed, and the two kids help carry nursery stock.
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A common sight in Ssumakussu: children carried into the fields on their mothers' backs.
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In spite of the village's isolation, it can't keep the modern world out completely. This motorcycle was lugged up to the village by hand.
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Basketball is the only sport in Ssumakussu. Village youths have set up their own basketball hoop.
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Taking advantage of free time before starting work to watch an NBA broadcast from the US.
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The original church was destroyed by fire three years ago. Village services are now held in this temporary replacement.
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Religion is the spiritual mainstay of Ssumakussu, and has also brought the village much material benefit.
In spite of the village's isolation, it can't keep the modern world out completely. This motorcycle was lugged up to the village by hand.
Basketball is the only sport in Ssumakussu. Village youths have set up their own basketball hoop.
The original church was destroyed by fire three years ago. Village services are now held in this temporary replacement.
Religion is the spiritual mainstay of Ssumakussu, and has also brought the village much material benefit.