New Taipei City Pilots Sidewalk Umbrellas; Chiang Wan-an: Taipei City to Implement This Summer

(Central News Agency reporter Yang Shu-min, Taipei 8th) Taipei City Councilor Chien Shu-pei questioned that urban shading facilities are a matter of public welfare, noting that New Taipei City has already piloted "sidewalk shading umbrellas," while Taipei City has made zero progress in two years. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an stated today that the design has been completed and installation will begin at demonstration sites this summer.

Chien Shu-pei, a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taipei City Councilor, posted on Facebook that summer temperatures in Taiwan have frequently reached 37-38 degrees Celsius in recent years. Installing urban shading facilities to prevent pedestrians from getting heatstroke while waiting at traffic lights is a serious matter concerning public welfare, and she believes no one would oppose it. However, she expressed confusion that Taipei City, with its abundant resources, is not only slower but also more expensive.

Chien Shu-pei stated that New Taipei City has already piloted "sidewalk shading umbrellas," while Taipei City has made zero progress in two years. She questioned why New Taipei City's automatic umbrellas cost NT$900,000, while Taipei City's fixed-type umbrellas cost NT$6.2 million.

Before attending a municipal policy question-and-answer session at the Taipei City Council, Chiang Wan-an was interviewed by the media. He was asked about DPP Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang's "Greater Taipei Skyline" proposal and former Taiwan People's Party Chairman Ko Wen-je's comment that he didn't know the definition of a skyline. Chiang said he is open to suggestions from all sectors, but the prerequisite is to understand the problem and propose concrete solutions that all citizens can understand.

Regarding the sidewalk shading umbrellas, Chiang stated that installation will begin at demonstration sites this summer. He emphasized that the construction timeline, price, and safety have all been reviewed by experts, and the overall design balances aesthetics, safety, and durability.

The Urban Development Department (UDD) issued a press release stating that allegations of "zero progress in two years" and "NT$6.2 million per unit" are not factual. It stated that the installation at demonstration sites will be completed this summer, and the cost per unit is NT$1.46 million. This includes the cost of the umbrella body and ancillary facilities such as electromechanical, lighting, and drainage systems. The umbrellas are custom-designed, with a focus on wind and earthquake resistance, safety, and service life. (Editor: Hsiao Po-wen) 1150608