Major’s Remarks:
1. At present, winter-related illnesses continue to emerge in multiple countries across Europe, America, and Asia. This year has seen the resurgence of both type A influenza and COVID-19. In Taiwan, the vaccination rate for the type A influenza vaccine is exceptionally high, with Tainan city boasting a vaccination rate exceeding 98%. Thanks to the concerted efforts to promote COVID-19 vaccination, citizens have actively begun receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Although Novavax COVID-19 vaccines are currently in short supply, alternative options from various brands remain readily available. We urge all bureaus and departments to intensify their promotional campaigns aimed at boosting vaccination rates. Last year, more than 300 citizens lost their lives due to COVID-19, while this year, there has been only one reported death. We strongly encourage citizens to prioritize their health and get vaccinated as soon as possible. Furthermore, due to the emergence of type B influenza cases in China, we kindly request citizens to maintain vigilant personal hygiene and adhere to epidemic prevention measures when visiting public places. Certain outpatient clinics in our city will operate for patient services and vaccinations on Chinese New Year's Eve, as well as the first and second days of the Chinese New Year. We call upon the Health Bureau to collaborate with local medical facilities to maximize vaccination rates in the city before the Chinese New Year festivities commence.
2. The Lioujia Bald Cypress Season festivities are scheduled for this week and are anticipated to draw a significant number of tourists throughout the next month. We kindly ask the Civil Affairs Bureau to collaborate with the Lioujia District Office in organizing parking arrangements and ensuring environmental cleanliness. Furthermore, we request the Tourism and Travel Bureau to assist in designing a tour itinerary that connects the various nearby attractions and create travel leaflets that tourists can readily request. Lastly, we urge the relevant bureaus and departments to develop plans that accommodate smallholder farmers and market stalls as part of this event.
3. While the quantity of preserved date jujubes produced in this city may be limited, their quality is exceptionally high. We kindly request the Agriculture Bureau to enhance marketing efforts for agricultural products.
Reports
1. The Public Works Bureau presented a report titled "Road-Smoothing Construction Results and this Year's Promotion Plan" (refer to written sources for details). Resolution: Approved for reference filing.
Mayor’s Comments:
(1) The Road-Smoothing Project in Tainan city has yielded substantial results. We urge the Public Works Bureau to persist in utilizing the city's limited resources, in conjunction with funds from the central government's Forward-Looking Infrastructure Development Program, to enhance the leveling of existing roads progressively and initiate the construction of new ones. Our expectation is to enhance road quality further, providing citizens with increased access to wider, flatter, and improved roadways.
(2) Besides the Road-Smoothing Project, the city government is committed to improving roads in urban, agricultural, fishery, industrial, and community areas to enhance overall road quality. We urge the Public Works Bureau to oversee and inspect rigorously road leveling standards for compliance in this city.
(3) The Public Works Bureau has undertaken the improvement of over 22,000 manhole covers in compliance with the law. These covers have been made flat and non-slip, substantially enhancing safety for both pedestrians and vehicles.
2. The Culture Affairs Bureau delivered a report titled "2024 Yuejin Lantern Festival and Xinying Shimmer Festival" (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Approved for reference filing.
Mayor’s Comments:
(1) The “Yuejin Lantern Festival” is a nationally acclaimed artistic lantern festival that, in conjunction with the “Longici Light Festival Void Mountain Worship,” represents both the water and mountain regions, signifying the northern and southern areas, respectively. These two festivals complement each other in their unique settings. Furthermore, the Puji Temple Lantern Festival in the city has earned a reputation as a festival frequently attended by the public. This year, we are extending our efforts by introducing the inaugural "Shimmer Festival" at Xinying Swan Lake. We kindly request the Cultural Affairs Bureau to foster a stronger connection between these two lantern festivals.
(2) Establishing a connection between the “Yuejin Lantern Festival,” “Yue Jin Art Museum,” and the ‘Shimmer Festival” will undoubtedly elevate the overall image of the lantern festival. However, due to their close geographical proximity, it is crucial to avoid redundancy in creativity and enable each event to showcase its unique features fully. This approach will enhance the reputation of these lantern festivals.
(3) During lantern festivals, we kindly request the cooperation of relevant bureaus and departments, including the Transportation Bureau, Police Bureau, and Environmental Protection Bureau, to manage parking facilities, provide route guidance, ensure smooth traffic flow, and maintain the cleanliness and safety of the event venues efficiently. Furthermore, it is imperative that we prioritize addressing concerns raised by the public during past lantern festivals to enhance the quality of these festivities continuously.