President Defends Flood Control Spending in South, Cites Unfair Criticism Amid Heavy Rains

President Lai Ching-te defended flood control efforts in southern Taiwan on Sunday, pushing back against what he called unfair criticism of spending in the region. During an inspection of the "Tuku Drainage Basin Improvement Project" in Kaohsiung, Lai stated that the cumulative rainfall in the south over five days had reached up to 1,300 millimeters, nearly half the annual average.

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Do not blame where the flood control funds in central and southern Taiwan have been spent just because of one typhoon or heavy rain.

Lai argued that comparing current flood situations to past events without considering the context of long-term investment is inequitable. He pointed out that flood control in the greater Taipei area has seen hundreds of billions of New Taiwan dollars invested over decades, establishing a high safety standard. In contrast, he noted that significant flood control investment in southern Taiwan only began during the Chen Shui-bian administration and continued under subsequent leaders.

"Do not blame where the flood control funds in central and southern Taiwan have been spent just because of one typhoon or heavy rain," Lai urged. He refuted claims that central and southern Taiwan received more funding than the north in recent years, calling such criticisms "unfair" and based on distorted numbers. He cited Kaohsiung's recent 24-hour rainfall exceeding 560 millimeters, which he described as more severe than during Typhoon Morakot.

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I think it is unfair, and the numbers are distorted.

Reflecting on his past experience as Tainan mayor, Lai acknowledged the persistent issue of flooding but highlighted significant improvements. He noted that while Tainan experienced over 50,000 hectares of flooding during Morakot, recent rainfall of comparable intensity resulted in only about 400 hectares flooded, a 99% reduction. He attributed this success to continuous water management construction and collective efforts, appealing for societal support and constructive feedback rather than uninformed criticism. Lai pledged full support for Kaohsiung's improvement plans, emphasizing the need for efficient spending and accountability.

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We hope society offers more support and guidance, with less criticism, especially criticism that does not understand the facts; it is truly unnecessary.