Mayor’s Remarks:
1. Starting tomorrow (27th), the level-3 alert will be reduced to a level-2 alert. I ask all bureaus to carryout matters in accordance with the regulations under the level-2 alert. Please prioritize pandemic prevention while also placing an emphasis on economic development and people’s livelihoods.
2. Taiwan and other countries have recently been stricken with severe flooding. I offer my deepest sympathies for those affected by recent flooding. Tainan must learn from the example of others. I ask the Water Resources Bureau to carry on the promotion of water treatment projects and be disaster ready.
3. The Public Health Bureau should closely monitor possible cases of Dengue fever. I ask concerned departments, such as the Environmental Protection Bureau and Public Health Bureau to educate the public about Dengue fever prevention. Please immediately empty containers and drain puddles after heavy rainfall to prevent mosquito vectors from breeding.
4. On July 28, the Public Health Bureau will give a presentation to city council members. I ask departments that handle pandemic prevention and relief measures to be fully prepared and draft answers to likely questions. Should the questions raised by council members deviate from the truth, please clarify immediately and ask the Department of Information and International Relations to make immediate corrections with the press.
Announcements
1. The Bureau of Economic Development’s report on the development of Cigu and industrial park establishment in Gangcian (refer to written sources for details)
Decision: Approved for reference filing
(1) The industrial parks in Cigu and Gangcian should be built in accordance with environmental protection standards and in line with the green regulations employed at Sinji Industrial Park. Emission standards should also be followed. New industrial parks should abide by standards involving green measures, emissions reduction, and pollution control.
(2) The establishment of retention ponds is a major factor in developing industrial parks. Retention ponds regulate floods and prevent flooding in industrial parks and the surrounding area. Southern Taiwan Technology Park has attracted many upstream and down-stream businesses. Both industrial parks discussed today feature industries with low pollution. These parks are expected to take a different developmental trajectory when compared to traditional industrial parks. If Southern Taiwan Science Park and Shalun are the engines that drive development in Tainan, Cigu and Gangcian are important components that facilitate the operation of these engines while strengthening local economic growth. I ask the Bureau of Economic Development to make haste in promoting this project.
2. The Bureau of Urban Development’s report on the implementation of municipal housing subsidies (refer to written sources for details)
Decision: Approved for reference filing
(1) The rental subsidy program is one of the government’s most important policies. Homeowners can apply for mortgage interest subsidies, whereas renters can find housing at more affordable prices. Since this policy was implemented, subsidized amounts have steadily increased. I ask the Bureau of Urban Development to accelerate its review of existing applications. Please review applicants’ average monthly income, real-estate, and other assets. Those that do not qualify shall be rejected, and the remaining applicants may continue with the application process. This should save valuable time.
(2) The first wave of applications for the housing subsidy program will open in August, for which subsidies will be issued in the following February. The second wave of applications will open in January, and subsidies will be issued in May. To settle any doubts about the municipal government’s efficiency, I ask the Bureau of Urban Development work with the central government to reduce the wait time so as to let citizens receive subsidies by the end of the year.