Taichung cuts power, water to 3 polluting factories defying stop-work orders

Taichung city authorities have taken decisive action against three unregistered factories, cutting off their water and electricity supplies for persistent non-compliance with stop-work orders. The factories, identified as high polluters, ignored repeated directives to cease operations.

The affected businesses include a metalworking factory in Wufeng District, a metal product powder coating facility in Qingshui District, and a metal furniture spraying operation in Dajia District. These actions were taken in June after the factories continued to operate despite multiple warnings and orders.

Since the amendment of the "Factory Management Guidance Act" in 2010, the Taichung city government has established a joint task force to inspect and rectify unregistered factories. The city has identified 541 unregistered factories ordered to stop work and is conducting thorough checks on all of them. While three have had their utilities cut, others are scheduled for follow-up inspections to monitor their progress.

City officials emphasized their commitment to managing unregistered factories, offering guidance for eligible businesses to register legally while strictly enforcing regulations against violators. The decision to cut off utilities is a measure taken when necessary to protect the quality of life for nearby residents and ensure a fair and legal business environment.