Mayor’s Remarks:
1. The upcoming election for the 16th President, Vice President, and 11th Legislators is fast approaching. To ensure the seamless operation of polling stations and to encourage the public to report any unlawful activities that may affect the voting process, the Civil Affairs Bureau, the Police Bureau, and other pertinent bureaus and departments are urged to verify the distribution of election bulletins and voting notices. Any reported illegal activities or behaviors that could impact the voting process should be promptly referred to the appropriate public security and judicial authorities for investigation.
2. The Ministry of Health and Welfare's Center for Disease Control and Prevention foresees that respiratory symptoms and the COVID-19 epidemic may peak in mid-to-late January. To address this, we kindly urge citizens to obtain the publicly funded XBB vaccine as soon as possible. Currently, the vaccination rate in Tainan needs to be strengthened. We offer a choice between Novavax and Moderna's latest XBB vaccines. We strongly encourage everyone to seize this opportunity and get vaccinated promptly to ensure their protection. As of now, our city has recorded 388 COVID-19-related deaths. We extend a special request to long-term care institutions, schools, and city government employees to prioritize vaccination.
3. The Public Works Bureau is kindly requested to assist the Sports Bureau in actively sourcing firms to bid on the “Public Sports Center of Yong Kang District, Tainan City.”
Reports
1. The Water Resources Bureau presented a report titled "2024 Water Information, Water Usage, and Conservation Management in Tainan City" (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Approved for reference filing.
Mayor’s Comments:
(1) "When you have access to water, it's important to consider the hardship of not having it." Taiwan boasts one of the highest per capita water consumption rates globally, coupled with low water prices, which can lead to unnecessary water resource wastage. Although Taiwan is not characterized as a dry region, its water consumption efficiency remains uneconomical. Therefore, it is crucial that we intensify our water conservation efforts and develop alternative water sources to prevent potential water shortages.
(2) Last year, prior to June 12, 2023, Tainan City endured an exceptionally severe dry season. At the time, the city's reservoir held approximately 90 million tons of water. While this situation was not as dire as it was prior to May 31, 2021, when the level dropped to less than 70 million tons, it serves as a reminder for us to be proactive. The report indicates that the city's reservoir water supply is projected to remain secure until the end of June, with a potential surplus. Nevertheless, addressing the question of how to conserve more water and improve its efficient utilization is a matter that deserves careful consideration.
(3) On average, agricultural water consumption in Tainan City is approximately 10,000 tons per hectare for a single rice cultivation season, totaling around 20,000 tons for two seasons annually. This level of water usage in agriculture is indeed significant. At present, our food self-sufficiency rate falls short of our needs. However, changing dietary preferences among Taiwanese people have resulted in a surplus of rice grains. With the aim of preserving farmland for agricultural purposes, we strongly urge the Agriculture Bureau to intensify its efforts in promoting the collective conversion of rice fields along irrigation ditches into dry farming for crops, such as soybeans, wheat, and corn. By fostering water-saving habits and through collaborative efforts between the city and central governments, we anticipate achieving effective water conservation in people's livelihoods, agriculture, and the industry. This, in turn, will make a significant contribution to the city's water stability.
(4) I recommend enhancing communication with the local community regarding the construction of the Tainan seawater desalination plant. Additionally, the Tsengwen-Nanhua Pipeline Project is expected to be completed by mid-year, enabling water from the Nanhua Reservoir to support the Tsengwen Reservoir in maintaining regulation and balance.
(5) We encourage citizens to cultivate water-saving habits and collaborate with the government's infrastructure efforts to accomplish the goals of water conservation and the expansion of water resources.
2. The Tourism and Travel Bureau presented a report titled "2024 Hotel Accommodation Space Integrated Planning and Marketing in Tainan City" (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Approved for reference filing.
Mayor’s Comments:
(1) The number of hotels and guesthouses in Tainan City has increased by 66% compared to four years ago, with this year's cumulative revenue surpassing 10.7 billion. Both citizens and tourists can readily perceive the diligent efforts put forth by the Tourism and Travel Bureau, and we extend our gratitude for its dedication.
(2) In light of the various events commemorating Tainan City's 400th anniversary, which range from the Lantern Festival and Orchid Exhibition at the year's start to the Taiwan-Japan Exchange Summit in the middle of the year, along with other national events that will be hosted in Tainan, we anticipate a significant influx of tourists, businesses, and associations visiting the city. Therefore, we kindly request the Tourism and Travel Bureau to continue its efforts in enhancing both the quality and quantity of hotels and guesthouses.
(3) This year, Tainan City will host the National Scout Jamboree at Tsou Ma Lai Farm, which is expected to boost the popularity of summer camping. Therefore, it is essential to intensify inspections of the operation and establishment of each campsite to prevent potential public safety incidents. We kindly request the Tourism and Travel Bureau to enhance guidance concerning unauthorized camp sites and hotels, urging them to obtain the necessary legal qualifications. Establishments that remain unauthorized will be subject to legal actions in accordance with the law.
(4) This year, the Tainan City government is launching a “high-volume tourist reservation system” to streamline the booking process for the expected influx of tourists staying in the city's hotels and guesthouses. We kindly request the Smart Development Center of the Research, Development, and Evaluation Commission to assist the Tourism and Travel Bureau in ensuring the stable operation of the platform.