To improve the aquatic environment of Taichung City's Dazhi Drainage and enhance its ecological and cultural value, the Taichung City Government’s Water Resources Bureau is launching the Dazhi Drainage Water Environment Improvement Project (Phase I) based on three core principles: ecological restoration, community co-creation, and educational outreach. A local pre-construction briefing session was recently held, bringing together central and local elected representatives, relevant agencies, and local residents to build a shared consensus on water environment conservation and work collectively toward a sustainable and harmonious vision for the river.
Director Fan Shih-Yi of the Water Resources Bureau noted that in addition to improving the riverbank environment of the Dazhi Drainage, the project also deepens collaboration with National Chung Hsing University through the establishment of the Water Culture and Environmental Education Center within the university’s Yunping Building. This center will serve as a long-term base for promoting water culture and environmental education in the region, operated and managed by the university’s USR team. They will continue to support educational and exchange activities related to the Dazhi Drainage, Hanxi Drainage, and Luchuan basins. Furthermore, the project sets clear goals for the restoration of indicator species and the creation of suitable habitats. The bureau has also signed letters of intent for maintenance and management with the Nanmen Community Development Association and the Xiangxing Community Development Association of Dali District, laying the foundation for sustainable river ecosystem management through adoption-based maintenance, ecological observation, and monitoring efforts.
According to the Water Resources Bureau, the total budget for this project is NT$67,949,000, with 78% (NT$53 million) subsidized by the central government and the remaining 22% (NT$14,949,000) funded by the local government itself. The area extends approximately 400 meters, from Qiaocheng Road in the north to Dazhi Road in the south. Construction is scheduled to officially begin on April 28 this year. The project involves the construction of a new 200-meter pedestrian walkway, creating a key waterfront corridor that connects the “Heart of Taichung” with the “Heart of Southern Taichung,” enhancing the city’s circular urban network while integrating water culture and environmental education functions.
The Water Resources Bureau noted that during the planning and design phase, it collaborated with the National Chung Hsing University’s USR team, the Nanmen Community, and other local units to hold four participatory workshops. These workshops included river walk-throughs, community-based learning activities, vision planning for firefly habitat restoration, and community art initiatives, all aimed at deepening public engagement and strengthening local identity. Through these efforts, the Dazhi Drainage is envisioned to become a representative cultural and ecological brand. Upon completion, the project will serve as a key public space for citizens to engage with water, and to learn about river ecology and cultural heritage. (4/26*11)*Water Resources Bureau
Contact Person: Mr. Hsueh, Water Resources Bureau, Taichung City Government
Contact Number: 2228-9111 ext. 53103