Candidate tackles noisy drain cover with a hammer, sparking debate in Kaohsiung

A candidate for neighborhood chief in Kaohsiung’s Fengshan District tried to silence a drain cover that kept residents awake, using a metal washer and a hammer to secure the gap.

Chen Po-hung said vehicles and pedestrians crossing the uneven cover on Lide Street produced repeated “thump, thump” sounds at night. After residents raised the problem, he went to inspect it, wedged a metal washer into the gap and hammered it into place so the cover would sit more firmly and not interfere with traffic.

Chen, a 40-year-old plumbing worker, posted a video of the repair online. The footage drew heated discussion, with some viewers suspecting that he had used a nail and warning that the action could damage public property. Chen said it was a metal washer, not a nail, and that the hammering was intended to improve the fit. He said the cover had not been damaged or deformed.

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The small inconveniences in residents’ daily lives are the things I keep in mind.

He later acknowledged that his effort had gone too far in raising public concerns. Chen removed the washer and reported the issue to the relevant authorities, saying the setback would not diminish his determination to serve residents.

The Fengshan District Office advised residents to report manhole covers that make unusual noises or show other problems to the city government or the appropriate agency. It said officials would dispatch staff or refer the case to the responsible authority, and would contact residents to explain the follow-up work.

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I will become more determined after setbacks.