Taipei Councilor Slams 'Enoki Mushroom' Sunshade Plan, Cites Tree Removal and Cost Disparity

Taipei City Government's plan to install expensive sunshades, described as "enoki mushrooms," has sparked controversy, with critics calling it a misplaced priority. The project involves relocating existing trees to make way for these structures, a move Taipei City Councilor Hung Wan-chen vehemently opposes.

Hung stated that one planned location, near the northeast corner of the city hall, is already shaded by mature trees. However, project reports indicate a need to transplant trees and adjust tree pits to accommodate the sunshades. Two trees with registered numbers are reportedly being "disappeared" to make way for the new installations. Hung criticized the plan as "abandoning natural shade for mushrooms," a move she deemed absurd and a waste of taxpayer money.

“

Abandoning natural shade for mushrooms is a huge joke that defies logic.

Adding to the criticism, Hung accused Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an of showing favoritism. She pointed out the significant price difference between the "enoki mushroom" sunshades in Xinyi District, averaging NT$7.44 million (approximately $230,000 USD) each, and a simpler red sunshade in Ximending, costing around NT$400,000 (approximately $12,500 USD). Hung questioned whether other districts are deemed less worthy of quality amenities and demanded an apology from the mayor for his remarks, which she believes indicate a biased approach to public spending.

“

Are Zhongzheng and Wanhua only worthy of NT$400,000 sunshades, while Xinyi deserves the NT$7.44 million designer models?