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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Environment & Climate

Nantou incinerator controversy flares as county 'stealthily' starts work, angers locals

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Nantou County Government proceeded with construction at a planned incinerator site in Mingjian Township without prior notification to local officials or residents.
  • Local residents and activists protested, accusing the county of bypassing procedures and fearing the project will harm the local tea industry.
  • The county cited concerns about intense public protest as the reason for not issuing formal notices, a justification rejected by local leaders.

Nantou County's plan to build an incinerator in Mingjian Township has ignited fierce opposition, culminating in a confrontation over alleged clandestine construction. Local residents and environmental advocates accuse the county government of "sneaking" heavy machinery onto the planned site on July 11, proceeding with drilling and geological surveys without the promised 14-day advance notice to the township office and a local self-help group.

Why are you insisting on bullying Mingjian people like this?

— Chen Han-liMingjian Township Mayor Chen Han-li confronting county officials at the construction site.

Zhang Yuming, a representative of the Taiwan Youth Democratic Association, criticized the county's actions, stating that the Environmental Protection Bureau had promised to notify relevant parties before commencing work on groundwater monitoring wells. However, he claims no such notification was given. When questioned, the Environmental Protection Bureau reportedly cited "concerns about intense public protest and potential impact on contractors" as the reason for only notifying landowners and bypassing local officials. Zhang decried this as an "absurd reason" that undermines the purpose of previous consultation meetings.

Mingjian Township Mayor Chen Han-li physically blocked construction equipment on July 12, expressing his frustration. "Why are you insisting on bullying Mingjian people like this?" he demanded of the Environmental Protection Bureau officials present. Despite his plea, drilling continued. When Chen asked who ordered them not to stop, an official responded, "We'll stop after we finish," a statement Zhang found infuriatingly obvious.

We'll stop after we finish.

— Environmental Protection Bureau officialResponding to Mayor Chen Han-li's demand to halt construction.

Nantou County Magistrate Hsu Shu-hua, who is seeking re-election, faces accusations of acting like a "bandit" with this "surprise raid." Activists fear the project could devastate the region's tea industry. The controversy highlights a deep distrust between the county government and local communities, with residents feeling their concerns are being ignored and their livelihoods threatened by a project they believe was pushed through without proper consultation.

What kind of absurd reason is this?

— Zhang YumingCriticizing the county's justification for not notifying local officials.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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