Cable Theft Halts Power, Water at Taitung's Huoshui Lake and Forest Park, Obstructing Development

Taitung's popular tourist destinations, Forest Park and Huoshui Lake, are entangled in a cycle of planning delays and infrastructure problems, primarily stemming from a significant cable theft incident two years ago. The theft left Huoshui Lake without essential power and water, rendering new public restrooms unusable and dimming the prospects for night tourism.

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The county councilor questioned the fluctuating entrance fees, indicating a lack of overall planning.

County Councilor Jian Wei-guo highlighted the lack of cohesive planning, pointing to fluctuating entrance fees for Forest Park as evidence. He noted that the recent integration of Forest Park and Huoshui Lake into a single tourism zone, marked by opening the previously locked-shut connecting gate, has only amplified the complexity of overall planning.

Despite plans for night activities and tourism development around Huoshui Lake, the absence of lighting due to the cable theft forces visitors to rely on mobile phone lights. The county's观光处 (Tourism Department) confirmed the cable was laid but stolen, leading to damaged power distribution equipment. They are now installing surveillance cameras and hiring security, hoping increased visitor numbers will deter further theft.

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The cable theft incident in April 2022 caused severe damage to the power distribution equipment within the park.

The situation presents a "chicken and egg" dilemma: development is stalled by a lack of basic services, yet attracting visitors and investment to fund these services is difficult without them. The county is also exploring different revenue models, including free entry supported by commercial rentals or charging fees that can be offset against other services, as they grapple with how to best manage and develop these key attractions.

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If we can attract investment and people, thieves won't dare to come.