Over 5 New Sites Considered for Sanchong Market Reconstruction; Expert Evaluation by July

(CNA, New Taipei, May 21, by reporter Tsao Ya-yen) The unresolved dispute over whether to relocate the Sanchong Fruit and Vegetable Market in New Taipei continues. The New Taipei City Government stated today that in addition to the original options of rebuilding on-site in Sanchong and relocating to the north and south sides of Luzhou, five more locations, including sites in Wugu and Shulin, have been added as potential candidates. The city is currently inviting expert committee members for an evaluation, with the first meeting scheduled to be held before July. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) City Councilor Yan Wei-ci today questioned the progress of the Sanchong market reconstruction project during a municipal general interpellation. She pointed out that the Agriculture Bureau is simultaneously reviewing the on-site reconstruction plan for Sanchong while also having experts re-evaluate whether there is land more suitable than Luzhou, yet has failed to produce any traffic impact or environmental assessment reports for the potential sites. Yan stated that the National Land Management Agency has long made it clear that "a wholesale market cannot be rebuilt on-site and relocated to another site simultaneously." She argued that the New Taipei City Government holding a so-called expert and scholar review meeting without practical data and scientific analysis is just for show and completely unconvincing to the public. In response, Agriculture Bureau Director Chen Hsi-hui stated that internal and external committee members are currently being invited to evaluate suitable locations based on various factors such as transportation and finance. The first meeting is expected to be held before July, with a preliminary analysis of the conditions of various locations to be completed within four months. Chen said that because the fruit and vegetable market requires an area of over 5 hectares, a preliminary inventory has identified possible sites for discussion. These include an expanded Sanchong site, an expanded Wugu site, Taishan Fengjiang, Shulin Jiwu, and the Shulin Flood Prevention Phase Three area, in addition to the original options of on-site reconstruction in Sanchong and the north and south sides of Luzhou. Mayor Hou Yu-ih noted that in 2019, the city government evaluated multiple locations and considered the north and south sides of Luzhou to be the best option. However, as the National Land Management Agency later had different opinions, the city respected their view and is re-conducting the evaluation and review as instructed. Hou also promised that the future site selection and decision-making process will be absolutely open and transparent, and will be clearly explained to vendors, residents, and employees. (Editor: Lee Shu-hua) 1150521