Taipei Mayor defends sunshade project amid budget and delay criticism

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an is facing scrutiny over the budget and delays regarding a city sunshade project. During a city council session, Councilor Chien Shu-pei criticized the project, noting that the cost for eight sunshades has risen significantly, with an average cost of approximately 9.84 million TWD per unit when factoring in construction, supervision, and future lighting maintenance. Chien also questioned why the project, promised for completion by late August, has failed to meet its deadline.

Chiang responded that the delays are due to the contractor's self-inspections failing to meet acceptance standards, emphasizing that the city must ensure safety and quality. He noted that the structures are designed to last 20 to 30 years and can withstand extreme weather conditions.

In response to Chiang's remarks, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai criticized the Taipei Mayor for deflecting criticism by bringing up expensive infrastructure projects in Kaohsiung, such as the Jiuru Bridge and Qianzhen Fishing Port. Chen stated that instead of answering one question with another or shifting blame to other cities, leaders should face problems honestly and focus on solving them.