(Central News Agency, reporters Chen Yu-ting and Huang Li-yun, Taipei, June 9) The Taipei City Government's plan to install pedestrian sunshades for urban cooling has drawn criticism from Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taipei City Councilor Chien Shu-pei, who questioned the use of the Average Land Rights Fund, which is intended to achieve housing justice. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an responded that the expenditure is in line with the fund's usage purposes.

Chien Shu-pei posted on Facebook on the 8th, stating that the "Urban Cooling Pedestrian Sunshade Plan" planned by Kuomintang (KMT) New Taipei City mayoral candidate Lee Ssu-chuan during his tenure as Taipei Deputy Mayor, would cost NT$49.66 million (approx. US$1.54 million) for 8 umbrellas, equivalent to about NT$6.2 million (approx. US$192,000) per unit, not including NT$9.91 million (approx. US$307,000) in design and supervision fees.

She further alleged that the funds were drawn from the Average Land Rights Fund, which is meant to promote housing justice, accusing Chiang of treating citizens like "suckers" and Lee of leaving behind a "gilded mess" as he left to run for election.

Taipei City Department of Urban Development Commissioner Chien Se-fang, before being questioned at the Taipei City Council on the 9th, told reporters that the Xinyi Planning District was developed through urban land readjustment. According to the "Taipei City Average Land Rights Fund Revenue, Expenditure, Custody and Utilization Self-Government Ordinance," the fund can be used for construction and maintenance in the Xinyi District, and there is no issue of legality.

Mayor Chiang later told reporters that the Department of Urban Development had clearly explained that the expenditure complies with the fund's usage purposes.

The Department of Urban Development issued a press release on the 8th explaining that the price per sunshade is NT$1.46 million (approx. US$45,000). Each unit integrates lighting design and temperature/humidity displays, can withstand Category 17 winds and a certain degree of earthquake intensity, and has a lifespan of at least 20 years. The department emphasized that the product offers value for money, balancing public artistry with safety. (Editor: Lee Hsi-chang) 1150609

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  • Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
  • Category: Taiwan