Ruanpizai River, which runs through Fengyuan and Shengang Districts of Taichung, has undergone a water environment improvement. To improve the natural ecology of the riverbank and optimize the waterfront environment, the Taichung City Government secured a subsidy of NT$117 million from the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Water Resources Agency under the National Water Environment Improvement Program, along with NT$33 million in self-funding. This resulted in a total budget of NT$150 million for Ruanpizai River's water environment improvement project, which aims to restore the local waterfront imagery of a prosperous Fengyuan. At the opening ceremony on the 27th, Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen mentioned that the project involves building stone embankments, intercepting wastewater, creating green spaces, and connecting pedestrian paths. These efforts have rejuvenated the once-dry river, bringing new life and vitality and transforming the area into a vibrant waterfront in the floral city. Lu expressed gratitude to all parties who contributed to this community enhancement.
“River restoration is one of my administration's key objectives!” Mayor Lu emphasized. Ruanpizai River, referred to as the Mother River of Fengyuan, had long suffered from problems such as a lack of water flow in the main upstream channel, dried-up sections of the river, domestic wastewater discharge, aging infrastructure, and disconnected pathways in the park. Lu thanked local village leaders for their persistent efforts and the support of both central and local representatives. In October 2022, the city government began a water environment improvement project, which was completed in September of this year. This project brought water back to the dry sections of the river, restored the embankments, and created a beautiful waterfront environment. It also addressed wastewater pollution by purifying the sewage entering the river, while pedestrian walkways were added along both sides to create a safe and pleasant waterfront space. The overall scenery of Ruanpizai River was significantly improved.
Chiang Chi-chen, Vice President of the Legislative Yuan, praised the restoration of Ruanpizai River’s water environment as a reflection of the hard work of the city government's Water Resources Bureau, and attributed the success to Mayor Lu's strong leadership. With Thanksgiving approaching tomorrow, he remarked that the completion of the river's restoration just before the holiday is the most wonderful and meaningful gift for the people of Fengyuan.
Director Fan Shih-i of the Water Resources Bureau noted that Ruanpizai River is primarily used for irrigation, and water regulation issues had caused the upstream areas to dry out year-round. During the planning stage of the project, the Bureau coordinated water sources with both the Central Region Resources Branch of the Water Resources Agency and the Irrigation Agency, while also considering the opinions of local residents. As a result, the Irrigation Agency agreed to divert 0.17 cubic meters per second without affecting farmers' irrigation. This allowed the Water Resources Bureau to create a river system that preserves water on dry days and allows it to flow naturally on rainy days, bringing vitality back to the river.
Director Fan explained that the project covers a stretch of about 1,500 meters, from the eighth section of Fengyuan Boulevard to Fengli Bridge on Sanfeng Road. It involves creating ecological stone embankments, designing the river to flow in a meandering pattern, and improving the interception of wastewater. The project also includes pedestrian walkways and a variety of plantings, all designed using near-natural and ecological methods. The project's three core principles are “safe and livable, water abundance, and ecological harmony,” combined with landscape design to bring life back to the long-dry river. Moreover, the pedestrian pathways and diverse plantings, using natural and ecological methods, showcase a fresh new look for the waterfront in the floral city. The city government will continue to develop a safe, clean, and vibrant waterfront environment, making Taichung a more beautiful and livable city.
At today's opening ceremony, Mayor Lu, Vice President Chiang Chi-chen of the Legislative Yuan, City Council members Chang Ching-fen, Chen Pen-tien, Chiu Ai-shan, Lo Yung-chen, Water Resources Bureau Director Fan Shih-i, and several local village leaders were present. City Council member Chen Ching-lung also sent a representative to show support. (11/27*7)* Water Resources Bureau
Contact: Mr. Tsai, Water Resources Bureau, Taichung City Government
Contact number: 04-22289111 ext. 53117