Taiwan: Taichung Flood Control Projects Aim for Greener, Sustainable City

Legislator He Hsin-chun inspected flood control and water environment improvement projects along the Dazhi and Hanzhi streams in Taichung, emphasizing a vision for a "green sustainable city."

Accompanied by local councilors, He Hsin-chun reviewed aspects of the water environment improvements, including ecological aspects, pedestrian flow, green areas, and recreational spaces. She highlighted that the projects, a collaboration between central and local governments with a total budget of about 150 million NT dollars, are expected to be completed by the end of the year. These improvements aim to connect waterfront landscapes, sports and leisure activities, pedestrian pathways, and the natural environment. Plans include restoring firefly habitats in surrounding green areas.

He Hsin-chun stressed the importance of continuous inspection and maintenance, particularly before the flood season, to ensure river channels are cleared and the environment is managed. She stated that these water environment constructions should not only support local ecology but also contribute to Taichung's long-term sustainability.

Regarding the Hanzhi stream project, He Hsin-chun urged the water conservancy unit to re-examine the design before the tender process in October. She requested the inclusion of shaded pedestrian walkways, not just concrete paths, and announced a "2030 Green Shade Doubling Plan" to increase urban greenery and cooling effects. This initiative aims to encourage residents to utilize riverside areas and integrate water environment improvements with urban cooling strategies.

Additionally, He Hsin-chun called for a review of pedestrian access and safety around the Guoguang Bridge. The plan includes constructing two new pedestrian bridges to create a complete circular route, integrating landscaping, scenery, and safety measures to build a comfortable and livable green corridor network. The Water Resources Bureau reported that the Dazhi stream project's upstream section is budgeted at 75 million NT dollars and the downstream section at approximately 67.95 million NT dollars, with central government subsidies covering a significant portion. The Hanzhi stream project, receiving central government funding of about 50 million NT dollars, is expected to go to tender in October and take about a year to complete.