Mayor’s remarks:
1. Considering that we are still at the height of the pandemic and that moving forward, any person who receives a positive result after taking a rapid test will be counted as a positive case, the number of positive cases in Tainan is expected to increase in the near future. In addition to practicing epidemic prevention measures that are within the municipal government's scope of regulations, I ask all colleagues to promote vaccine awareness among the public. Please continue to remind the public to mask up, wash hands, and maintain social distance. Let’s keep our guard up since we’re not out in the clear yet.
2. I would like to thank colleagues in the Public Health Bureau and concerned departments for promoting vaccine coverage and epidemic prevention measures, caring for those affected by COVID-19, practicing efficient case management, and disinfecting the environment. Because of your hard work, the number of confirmed cases in Tainan is the lowest among the six special municipalities. In fact, our positive cases per capita is even lower than the national average number of positive cases per 100,000 population. The cumulative number of confirmed cases in Tainan is also the lowest among the six special municipalities. Let’s continue to keep up the good work.
3. According to the weather forecast, we can expect some bad weather next week. I ask the Bureau of Education to direct the contractors of the project to demolish and reconstruct building no. 3 in Xiaying District’s Dongsing Elementary School and the 2020 Guiren Elementary School demolition and reconstruction project to adjust their construction schedule based on the weather. That being said, please ensure that the projects are completed as soon as possible; that way, the new school buildings will be ready when school starts. Flooding season is around the corner, which may increase the difficulty of the construction projects and reduce the number of days that construction may take place. The Bureau of Education and other departments that are involved with public infrastructure must work hard to overcome such difficulties.
4. I would like to remind concerned departments to allocate the budget for items that I have promised council members, citizens, village chiefs, and district offices for 2023. Please also make the public aware of such budget allocations to ensure that relevant work can be carried out smoothly.
Announcements
1. The Public Works Bureau’s report on improving the quality of roads (refer to written sources for details)
Decision: Approved for reference filing
Mayor’s remarks:
I would like to thank the Public Works Bureau’s hard work in improving transportation conditions in Tainan. Tainan’s rural roads are overseen by the Bureau of Land Administration and Agriculture Bureau, whereas urban roads are managed by the Public Works Bureau. Although roads differ by design, specifications, or load, they should all be smooth and safe. Offroads in mountainous areas are often damaged because of slope conditions, torrential rains, or typhoons. Concerned departments should leverage open contracts or assign municipal engineers to repair such damage as soon as possible. Again, I would like to thank the Public Works Bureau for their excellent work.
2. The Agriculture Bureau’s report on the 2022 Baihe Lotus Festival (refer to written sources for details)
Decision: Approved for reference filing
Mayor’s remarks:
(1) The Baihe Lotus Festival is a longstanding tradition. Last year’s festival was less than ideal because of a drought. Seeing that this year’s water supply is abundant, we can expect an excellent festival in 2022. The Baihe Lotus Festival is a large-scale, outdoor event. Considering that we are still in the midst of a global pandemic, an outdoor event like this one is ideal for the public's physical and mental health.
(2) The municipal government’s main goal for organizing the festival is to establish local brands. Be it with lotus roots, lotus root powder, lotus seeds, or lotus blossoms, the Agriculture Bureau should assist farmers in creating income through leisure agriculture. The Tourism Bureau should also help plan agricultural travel and accommodation packages, which are sure to attract even more visitors to the 2022 Baihe Lotus Festival.