Downstream Contractor Raisen Design Protests Outside Pingtung E-Da Hospital Site Over Unpaid Construction Fees

Central News Agency Report (Reporter: Huang Yu-Ching, Pingtung County, June 17)

Raisen Design Engineering Company, a downstream contractor responsible for works at the Pingtung E-Da Hospital and the Tainan Railway Underground Project, led over ten people today to protest outside the construction site in Pingtung County's Health Industry Park, holding banners demanding payment. The company claims the upstream contractor has failed to pay over NT$12 million in construction fees. The upstream contractor denies the allegations, and the case has now entered litigation.

Raisen Design was primarily responsible for drainage works at both projects. Protesters shouted slogans such as 'Pay us our wages' to draw attention to their plight.

Chen Bang-Han, Raisen Design's representative, told reporters that payments were made normally during the first three phases of the project, but delays began from the fourth and fifth phases. He stated that the total unpaid amount across the Pingtung E-Da and Tainan Railway projects exceeds NT$12 million, affecting more than 30 workers, many of whom have had to borrow money to survive.

The upstream contractor's representative, Mr. Chen (surname only), countered that the amount already paid exceeds the contractual obligation and that Raisen's financial difficulties are not his responsibility. He emphasized that the matter is now in court and will be resolved through legal proceedings.

The medical building of Pingtung E-Da Hospital broke ground in 2021 within the Pingtung County Health Industry Park and is now nearing completion. Although Raisen Design has withdrawn from the project due to the dispute, another contractor has taken over the drainage work. Construction progress remains unaffected, with completion expected by the end of this year. (Editor: Yang Sheng-Ru) 1150617