The development of a manmade lake in the Greater Tainan area along the Zengwun River (曾文溪) received local and central government support on Monday, with the mayor hoping it could be completed in two years.
The proposed lake, covering an area of 115 hectares with a depth of 4m, will be capable of storing 4.5 million cubic meters of water, Lee Meng-yen (李孟諺), director of the Greater Tainan Water Resources Bureau, said while presenting the proposal.
LAND
He said the lake, conceived to prevent flooding, store water during rainy seasons and serve as a reservoir during dry periods, could be developed for NT$1.2 billion (US$40 million) if the central government helped Greater Tainan acquire the land.
Greater Tainan Mayor William Lai (賴清德) said he would seek funding from the central government for the project, seen as necessary in a part of the country that has faced growing water shortage threats in recent years.
“It is hoped that the lake can be built within two years,” Lai said.
FULL BACKING
Responding to the Greater Tainan Government’s plan, Public Construction Commission Minister Lee Hong-yuan (李鴻源) said he would give the proposal his full support.
Lee said the lake would not only serve as an important reservoir in the south, but would also have a positive effect on the ecology, scenery and urban renewal.
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