Executive Yuan: Nanxing Project Only Accepts Kaohsiung Earthworks, 24-Hour Int'l Airport Under Cautious Evaluation

(CNA, Taipei, June 8, by reporter Lai Yu-chen) Premier Cho Jung-tai's recent mention during a Kaohsiung inspection that southern Taiwan has relatively sufficient capacity for earthworks disposal and his hope to expand the scope of acceptance has drawn attention. The Executive Yuan said today that the Kaohsiung City Government has already explained that the Nanxing Project currently only accepts rock and earth from public and private construction projects within Kaohsiung City. As for the feasibility of Nanxing as a 24-hour international airport, the Executive Yuan will uphold professionalism and conduct a careful evaluation.

During his recent inspection of Kaohsiung, Premier Cho mentioned that the southern region has a relatively ample capacity for earthworks disposal and hoped to expand the scope of acceptance, also mentioning the Kaohsiung Nanxing Project. This sparked local concern about whether it would be expanded to accept earthworks from other counties and cities. The Kaohsiung City Government reiterated today that the Nanxing Project's disposal model only accepts surplus earth and rock from public works and surplus earth and rock from private projects in Kaohsiung.

Regarding the public's attention on the promotion of earthworks disposal in the Kaohsiung Port area, Executive Yuan Spokesperson Li Hui-chih stated through a media group that the Executive Yuan thanks and affirms the Kaohsiung City Government's efforts in managing and disposing of surplus construction earth and rock. The Kaohsiung City Government has also explained that the Nanxing landfill project currently only accepts earth and rock generated by public and private projects within Kaohsiung City. Subsequently, the central and local governments will continue to cooperate to ensure the smooth operation of the disposal mechanism.

Li Hui-chih pointed out that the relocation of Dalinpu village is an important national construction project concerning residents' rights and industrial development, and the central government will fully support and accelerate related work. In addition, National Freeway No. 7 will be promoted on schedule and with high quality to improve Kaohsiung's overall transportation network and industrial transport capacity. The Executive Yuan will continue to fully promote it.

On the feasibility of Nanxing as a 24-hour international airport, Li Hui-chih stated that the Executive Yuan will maintain a professional and cautious attitude, continuing to conduct assessments on aspects such as airspace conditions, environmental impact, overall transportation demand, and regional development, to serve as an important reference for future national aviation transport layout.

Li Hui-chih said the Executive Yuan will continue to work hand in hand with the Kaohsiung City Government to jointly promote the development of the Kaohsiung Port area, industrial upgrading, and major transportation construction, so that Kaohsiung can continue to be an important engine driving southern development.

The Nanxing Project is a land reclamation development project located in the coastal area of Dalinpu, Xiaogang District, Kaohsiung City. In recent years, the Kaohsiung City Government has been studying the construction of a 24-hour international airport in the Nanxing Project area. It is expected to acquire about 1,000 hectares of land through land reclamation to meet air transport demand and the long-term development of southern industries. (Editor: Lin Ke-lun) 1150608