Executive Yuan Oversees Mataian Creek Flood Control and Dike Upgrades in Hualien

Since the severe flood disaster on the Mataian River in 2018, the waterway has become a focal point for reconstruction and flood control engineering in Hualien County. Following the disaster, farmland along the riverbanks was submerged and roads were washed away, significantly affecting the lives and economy of local residents. To prevent similar disasters from recurring, the Executive Yuan and the Water Resources Agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs launched several comprehensive management initiatives immediately after the incident, aiming to increase the river’s flood control capacity and mitigate the socioeconomic impact of flooding.

During today’s inspection, Executive Yuan Premier Chau Jyun-tai received a detailed briefing on the reconstruction progress of the Mataian River. According to a presentation by the Water Resources Agency, completed high-standard embankment projects have raised the height of upstream and downstream levees to international standards, while reinforcing the materials and structural design to withstand larger-scale floods. Additionally, the critical “second line of defense” project has entered an accelerated construction phase. This initiative involves installing additional levees and drainage facilities on both sides of the river channel to create a multi-layered protection network, providing emergency defense in the event of the main levee’s failure and significantly reducing the risk of floodwater infiltration.

The Water Resources Agency stated that the flood control strategy for the Mataian River adopts a “systematic management” approach, emphasizing three core pillars: river channel dredging, levee reinforcement, and land acquisition. Approximately two-thirds of the river channel dredging work has been completed, with all dredging operations planned for completion by the end of the year to ensure that river flow is not restricted by sedimentation. Regarding land acquisition, necessary land use rights have been negotiated and secured with local governments, and portions of farmland are being converted into flood control green belts to serve both ecological and flood protection functions. The second line of defense project is a key component of this overall strategy; the Water Resources Agency has secured sufficient budget and technical support and will accelerate construction in the second half of the year.

These reconstruction measures have not only enhanced local flood safety but also had a positive effect on the economic recovery of Hualien County. Agricultural areas along the Mataian River have benefited from levee reinforcement and improved dredging, resulting in more stable irrigation water sources and a projected rebound in crop yields. Meanwhile, the construction of levees and green belts has created new opportunities for the tourism industry, with potential for development as ecotourism destinations to attract domestic and international visitors. If the second line of defense is successfully completed, it will further reduce the impact of flood disasters on the local economy and boost public confidence in safety.

During the inspection, Premier Chau emphasized that the government will continue to monitor construction progress and ensure quality, while calling on local communities to participate jointly in flood control planning. In the future, the Water Resources Agency will continuously adjust its flood control strategies by incorporating climate change and topographical characteristics to ensure the long-term safety and sustainable development of the Mataian River section. (Fact source: Central News Agency)