TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung city councilors are skeptical the Taichung aquarium will be ready for operations in May, per CNA.
Construction work on the aquarium is scheduled to be completed in May, with the facility turned over to an operator for interior decoration, preparing for a Q1 2025 opening date. However, the exterior beams and columns are rusty, the indoor floor tiles are damaged, and a water fountain appears abandoned, reports said.
Taichung City Council called a hearing for the tourism department to answer questions about the progress of the aquarium. DPP Taichung City Councilor Yang Tien-chung (楊典忠) expressed doubt about the May handover, noting construction work had yet to be completed, including the road in front of the aquarium.
Taichung City Tourism Director Chen Mei-hsiu (陳美秀) said the city government would assist with landscaping work, even though such duties were tied to a phase 1 construction contract, which expired in 2018. Chen said interior decoration could be completed in one year, preparing the facility for trial operations in Q1 2025.
Yang said the aquarium required 14 years to build. Many citizens are waiting, along with neighboring businesses hoping it will spark business in the area.
Yang called upon the operator to offer discounts for residents and competitive pricing. Yang hoped the government could also assist with the opening and encourage Taichung citizens to visit during trial operations.
Chen said the government would create a bus route and extend a road in front of the aquarium. As for admission to the aquarium, Chen said fees would be based on market data.
Chen added that residents of Qingshui District and Wuqi District can purchase tickets at a preferential price. Residents can also visit for free during Mid-Autumn Festival and will be given discounts on local agricultural and fishery products.
