Su pledges construction sweeteners for Kaohsiung

Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) yesterday promised Kaohsiung residents that the government would build an underground railway system and a convention center in the city.

"These two projects have been a primary concern of several former premiers and Kaohsiung mayors. I am here to make them happen," Su said.

Su made the remarks while campaigning for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Chen Chu (陳菊).

Chen, former head of the Council for Labor Affairs, launched her electoral campaign in the southern city yesterday.

Su emphasized that his construction promises had nothing to do with the upcoming election in December.

"I am simply doing something to reflect the wishes of my fellow Kaohsiung residents," he said.

Su said he has received numerous complaints about the lack of a convention center in the Kaohsiung metropolitan area.

Local commercial residents argue that the absence of a first-class convention facility has negatively affected economic development. Major companies have been hesitant to invest in the city because of the limited infrastructure and networking opportunities.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs has promised a NT$3 billion (US$91 million) budget for the construction of the convention center, Su said.

As for the railway system, Su said former premier Frank Hsieh (謝長廷), who is running for Taipei mayor, told him that Kao-hsiung residents have been asking that the current railway line, which runs through the city, be moved underground for more than a decade.

Su said he will complete the project while he is still premier.

Constructing an underground railway system would cost approximately NT$57.3 billion.

"Trust me. Trust the DPP. Give Chen and I a chance to do more for the residents of Kaohsiung," he said.