Taichung's Dali administrative center project faces scrutiny over seven-year delay and uninitiated tender

A new administrative center for Taichung City's Dali District, planned seven years ago, faces continued delays and escalating costs, sparking criticism from local officials. The project's budget has surged from an initial NT$900 million to NT$1.62 billion, drawing a reprimand from the Control Yuan for failing to meet its objectives.

With the current mayoral term nearing its end, city councilors from both major parties have pressed for a timeline on the construction. Civil Affairs Bureau Director Wu Shih-wei announced that the project is slated for a groundbreaking in October, with the household registration office and a branch of the land administration bureau to be housed within the new facility.

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The Dali United Administrative Center has not yet been tendered, yet the city government has confirmed construction will begin in October.

However, Democratic Progressive Party councilor Lin Te-yu challenged this timeline, stating that a check of the bidding system revealed no tender had been posted. He questioned whether the announcement was an attempt to stage a groundbreaking ceremony before Mayor Lu Shiow-yen leaves office. Wu Shih-wei responded that urban design review is complete and the tender is expected to be posted by the end of the month, with construction commencing by the end of October.

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The tender is expected to be posted by the end of the month, with construction commencing by the end of October.