3142 Edition
May 14-20, 2012
Headline News
Reported by Lin Yi-ying Written by Lydia Ma Though the Legislative Yuan has already passed a bill ordering an immediate halt to the construction of the Wuta Tunnel in Nan-ao, the Directorate General of Highways has so far ignored this order and continued on with its work. For this reason, 50 Wuta residents staged a protest in front of the Legislative Yuan on May 8, 2012. Residents warned that if construction continues without regard to the order passed by the Legislative Yuan or the rights of indigenous peoples as prescribed in the Aboriginal Basic Act, and if an alternative route is not sought, as requested by indigenous communities in Wuta, they will begin closing down roads in protest – a right granted to them by the Aboriginal Basic Act. The Suhua Highway Improvement Project is a plan to improve dangerous sections of the Suhua Highway and construction of a 38.4 km long road began in January 2011 in Heping, Hualien. However, indigenous residents living in Wuta Reservation in Nan-ao, Yilan are concerned that the Wuta Tunnel, a tunnel to be built near their reservation which is also part of the project, will compromise their safety and cause landslides. “We ask that you negotiate with us according to the framework laid out in the Aboriginal Basic Act. Respect the will of indigenous peoples living in Wuta and get consent before you proceed with your work. We urge the government to refrain from being obstinate because indigenous peoples aren’t to be trifled with. We will fight to our death to protect our land and our mother!” said protesters. Led by Atayal Presbytery Church and Society Committee Director Chen Hong-yi, Wuta residents shouted, “Respect the National Assembly! Stop construction immediately!”, “Equal negotiations! Halt constructions!”, “Don’t sacrifice Wuta!”, and “Please give us a safe reservation!” Wuta Presbyterian Church pastor, Rev. Meryang Haying, explained that residents were neither notified nor consulted at the beginning of this project. They were notified only when it was time to expropriate the land and their consent in this matter was never sought. “Who do they think indigenous peoples are?” she exclaimed angrily. According to reports, Nan-Ao recently experienced torrential rains which resulted in the severe flooding and blockage of the main road connecting the region with the rest of the country. Residents said the flooding had been caused by many temporary barriers and bridges that had been built to facilitate construction, which changed the natural course of the water. Taiwan Church News reported on this issue in its 3135 issue. For background information refer to: http://enews-pctpress.org/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=498:3135-wuta-indigenous-residents-protest-new-highway-project-for-fear-of-mudslide&catid=80:20121&Itemid=74 |