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Taiwan's Shimen Reservoir flood control tunnel saves $560 million after 7 typhoons

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • Former President Tsai Ing-wen highlighted the Amuping silt-exclusion tunnel as a key project for Shimen Reservoir's flood control.
  • The tunnel has cleared 1.125 million cubic meters of sediment after seven typhoons since its completion, saving over NT$560 million.
  • Tsai emphasized the importance of long-term public investment in infrastructure for disaster resilience and future generations.

Former President Tsai Ing-wen has lauded the Amuping silt-exclusion tunnel as a crucial component of the Shimen Reservoir's flood control system, particularly in the face of extreme weather.

The Amuping silt-exclusion tunnel is one such example.

— Tsai Ing-wenHighlighting the tunnel's effectiveness in managing extreme weather events.

Tsai explained that the tunnel, part of the Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Program, has proven its worth since its completion in 2023. It has successfully managed sediment buildup after seven typhoons, clearing 1.125 million cubic meters of silt. This operation has not only extended the reservoir's lifespan and stabilized water supply for northern Taiwan but also saved over NT$560 million in dredging costs.

She noted that the project's origins trace back to 2006 when she served as vice premier and then-Premier Su Tseng-chang prioritized Shimen Reservoir's rehabilitation. The tunnel was later incorporated into the forward-looking plan with an investment exceeding NT$7 billion.

Facing extreme weather challenges, the government must plan ahead so that every public investment can play a role at critical moments.

— Tsai Ing-wenEmphasizing the importance of proactive infrastructure development.

Tsai stressed that large-scale infrastructure projects require sustained effort across administrations. She asserted that the value of public construction lies not just in completion but in its continuous protection of citizens' lives during natural disasters, embodying the core spirit of forward-looking investments for future generations.

Large public construction projects, from planning and design to completion, often take more than 10 years and require successive teams to continue the relay.

— Tsai Ing-wenReflecting on the long-term nature and collaborative effort required for major infrastructure.

DPP Taoyuan mayoral candidate Huang Shih-chieh echoed Tsai's sentiments, expressing deep emotion over the post. He highlighted the tunnel's role in enhancing Shimen Reservoir's capabilities and ensuring water security for Taoyuan, underscoring the foresight and perseverance required for such national projects.

The value of public construction is not just in its completion, but in its continuous protection of people's lives through typhoons, heavy rains, and droughts, which is the core spirit of promoting forward-looking infrastructure.

— Tsai Ing-wenDefining the enduring significance of public works.
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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