Tainan's Flood Control Budget Higher? Ministry of Economic Affairs: Strategies Planned Based on Local Needs

(CNA reporter Hsieh Yi-hsuan Taipei, June 29) It is rumored online that Tainan's flood control budget is higher than Taipei's. The Ministry of Economic Affairs stated today that from 1982 to 2013, flood control budgets were more concentrated in the north. The central government has since 2014 strengthened nationwide river basin governance. Flood control is not about which county or city receives more budget, but about planning appropriate governance strategies based on local needs.

Regarding online messages claiming "Tainan's flood control budget is higher than Taipei's." The Ministry of Economic Affairs responded that from 1982 to 2013, flood control budgets were prioritized for improving the flood control standards of the capital region, addressing flooding issues in the Keelung River, and promoting projects such as the Taipei Flood Control Plan Phases 1-3 and the overall governance of the Keelung River. Subsequently, flood control and drainage improvements in areas prone to flooding and land subsidence were also carried out.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs explained that flood control budgets were more concentrated in the north from 1982 to 2013. The cumulative flood control budget for Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung was approximately NT$164.959 billion, Tainan City was about NT$19.48 billion, Kaohsiung City was about NT$12.312 billion, and the national total was NT$279.522 billion.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs mentioned that from 2014 to 2026, the central government began to strengthen nationwide river basin governance through Forward-looking Infrastructure Development Programs, successively promoting the River Basin Comprehensive Governance Plan, the Forward-looking Program for County-level Rivers and Regional Drainage Improvement Plan, and the National Water Environment Improvement Plan, continuously enhancing flood control and water management capabilities across Taiwan.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs pointed out that from 2014 to 2026, the cumulative national flood control budget is NT$185.111 billion, with approximately NT$10.672 billion for Taipei, New Taipei, and Keelung, NT$29.545 billion for Tainan City, and NT$17.596 billion for Kaohsiung City.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs stated that the Greater Taipei area has undergone over 40 years of continuous investment in flood control, with flood protection standards reaching a 200-year return period. County-level rivers and regional drainage systems across Taiwan are designed for a 10-year return period flood, with a standard of no overtopping for a 25-year return period flood.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs emphasized that flood control is never about "which county or city receives more budget," but about planning the most suitable governance strategy based on the different terrain, hydrological conditions, and flood control needs of each locality. The Ministry of Economic Affairs will continue to assist local governments in promoting systematic flood control, striving towards the goals of "minimal flooded area, fastest drainage time, and highest safety standards." (Edited by Lin Ke-lun) 1150629

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