Mayor's remarks:
I.Mother’s Day is coming soon. Wish all mothers in this world a happy Mother’s Day.
This Sunday, May 14, is Mother’s Day. On the eve of this wonderful holiday, I wish to extend the sincerest of wishes to all the mothers working hard for their families. I would like to thank them for all of their selfless sacrifices for their families and children. Your hard work makes up the backbone of Taiwanese society. I also wish to remind ourselves, as sons and daughters, to always be aware of what our parents do for us. We should support the community the way we show our filial piety, which makes this holiday even more meaningful.
II.The council’s general interpellation has already started. All bureaus and offices are requested to fully explain those topics on which we must focus.
The 5th session of the 2nd Tainan City Council’s regular meeting took place on April 18. The session has progressed to the general interpellation. Director-generals are requested to firmly grasp relevant proceedings and be able to clarify those issues in detail to the council members or external organizations. In the case of any misunderstandings regarding the policies, directors-generals shall, as duly stipulated by their authorities and responsibilities, to explain the policy in question as well as inform the public of the current state of municipal affairs in order to increase cohesion in the city.
III. The threat of avian flu has been reduced; nonetheless, we are about to enter the dengue fever season. Please take any necessary measures to prevent an epidemic.
1. The avian flu that threatened the whole country has gradually cooled down. The Executive Yuan has already disbanded the Tier 1 Avian Flu Emergency Response Center, and through the ceaseless efforts of the Agriculture Bureau and other government agencies, Tainan City has minimized the impact of the disease. It has already been 3 weeks since the last occurrence of any individual report of the avian flu incident, for which special thanks must be said to Director-general Shu of Agriculture Bureau, Director-general Wu of the Animal Health Inspection and Protection Office, and all of their colleagues for their hard work. Currently, slaughter houses in Taipei and New Taipei City have reported potential avian flu cases. At the eleventh hour, we hope that the Agriculture Bureau will continue to be watchful and take further actions to prevent an epidemic.
2. The spread of the avian flu has been greatly slowed; nevertheless, dengue fever is at our doorstep. Following the recent increase in temperature, vector mosquito disease has increased its activity. We hope the Environmental Protection Bureau may increase their chemical disease prevention work, the Public Health Bureau may oversee and control the status of disease-carrying mosquitoes, all agencies may increase awareness, and households take measures to prevent the disease. We hope this year will be the same as the last one that we strive to minimize the threat of dengue fever.
IV. Increased public education of drowning prevention for the upcoming summer season.
1. On May 6, eight students were playing in the water under the Jiatian and Shangjia bridges in Jiatian Village in Houbi District, which resulted in a student from the Baihe Junior High School accidentally fell into the Chianan Irrigation Canal and drowned.
2. With the heat of summer upon us, one of the jobs the city government must do at this stage is to maintain public safety in and around the water. The Fire Bureau, Water Resources Bureau, and other relevant agencies should hold water rescue drills, increase awareness on drowning prevention, perform patrols, install simple lifesaving equipment, set up drowning prevention warnings, increase vigilance with regards to the dangerous waters around Tainan, as well as implement special patrol services in order to decrease the incidence of drowning as much as possible.
3. We also request the Bureau of Education to oversee waters safety education at schools of all levels, raise awareness about drowning prevention prior to the beginning of summer vacation, and remind the public not to engage in activities at dangerous waters in order to prevent the occurrence of accidents.
4. I also sincerely request the citizens of Tainan to perform all activities in safe waters and pools where lifeguards are available and to follow all relevant rules. Do not go to dangerous waters, such as locations with frequent drowning reports and streams. During torrential rain or typhoons, please keep away from the coast or other bodies of water to ensure your safety.