Clearing the Waters: Will Kaohsiung's Takeover of Chengcing Lake Benefit All?

Kaohsiung City's move to manage Chengcing Lake sparks debate: Is it about conservation, tourism, or something else?

The Kaohsiung City Government, following its takeover of the Kaohsiung Golf Course near Chengcing Lake, has announced its intention to fully manage the Chengcing Lake Scenic Area. The stated goal is to transform the area into an urban "green lung." However, this move has met with opposition from tree protection groups.

While the takeover of the golf course was justified under the banner of protecting water sources, the plans to manage Chengcing Lake seem to be based on boosting tourism. This raises concerns about increased traffic and crowds, potentially impacting both water quality and air quality, a contradiction that raises questions about the city's true intentions.

The Chengcing Lake Scenic Area, spanning 375 hectares, is currently managed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Taiwan Water Corporation. It is designated as a Level 2 water source protection zone and is also the first air quality purification area in Taiwan. The park is known for its beautiful lake, lush greenery, and the shade of the trees, making it a popular recreation spot. It also plays a vital role in mitigating the urban heat island effect. Since 2013, following requests from city representatives, Kaohsiung residents have been able to enter the park for free with their ID. The recent announcement by the city government to take over management has raised some eyebrows.