TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) said Thursday the city has approved NT$285 million (US$9.03 million) to rebuild Da-jia Primary School, including the addition of a new indoor swimming pool.
The city government said the project is intended to improve student health and swimming ability. Lu said the plan responds to low swimming test pass rates among students and the need to strengthen water safety education.
CNA reported the school’s aging hall will be demolished and replaced with a two-story building. The first floor will feature an indoor heated swimming pool, while the second floor will serve as a high-ceiling hall for classes and community use.
Officials said the project also addresses a shortage of public swimming facilities in Taichung’s Dajia, Daan, and Waipu districts, according to UDN. There is currently only one private swimming pool in the area, making the new facility the first public swimming pool serving the area.
Lu said Taiwan is a maritime nation and that both adults and children should learn how to swim. She said the city aims to promote swimming education and expand access to facilities through multiple approaches.
The city's Education Bureau said the project's costs include about NT$150 million for the swimming pool, with the remaining funds allocated to rebuilding the hall, per Yahoo News. Construction is expected to begin this year and has been described as a “New Year gift” for the school.
