Mayor’s Remarks:
1. Treat disease prevention with the greatest discretion and center all efforts on preventing African swine fever from entering Tainan
(1) African swine fever (AFS) has been spreading in China, increasing the risks of the disease spreading to Taiwan. To ensure the safety of pigs that are fed kitchen scraps, the Agriculture Bureau, Environmental Protection Bureau, and Animal Health Inspection and Protection Office began jointly inspecting all kitchen-scrap pig farms within their jurisdiction on December 4. Farms that do not properly steam or process kitchen scraps are subject to penalties, and are required to reinforce biosafety and disease prevention.
(2) Currently, there is no vaccine or cure for AFS. Any imported cases will undoubtedly generate severe consequences for Taiwan’s domestic pig farming industry. Deputy Mayor Hsu convened an ASF prevention meeting this Monday to discuss prevention measures and conduct an inventory of our current inspection facilities and disease prevention measures, thereby better preparing Tainan for potential outbreaks.
(3) I would like to ask the Agriculture Bureau and Animal Health Inspection and Protection Office to monitor the development of ASF closely and to enhance early warning and monitoring measures. Meanwhile, please ensure that adequate disease prevention work is carried out in relevant industries. Disease prevention is much like combat. Collaborating with the central government is crucial for ensuring stringent disease prevention and control. On behalf of the Tainan City Government, I would like to remind all citizens to abide by the law and refrain from bringing meat products overseas to Taiwan. The penalty for violations has been raised to NT $1 million, do not risk carrying meat products into Taiwan.
2. The strongest wave of northeasterly monsoon winds since the beginning of winter is about to arrive; please keep warm
(1) Based on the Central Weather Bureau’s forecast, the strongest wave of northeasterly monsoon winds since the beginning of winter will move south on Tuesday. This wave of winds is likely to result in record low temperatures for this season. The temperature in Northern Taiwan is projected to drop to 14°C. The northeasterly monsoon winds will reach its peak on Wednesday and Thursday and may reach the scale of a continental air mass. Forecasts project that the winds will weaken on Saturday and temperatures will rise slightly.
(2) Although this wave of northeasterly winds has not reached the standards of a cold air mass, the daily temperature in Central and Southern Taiwan is expected to fluctuate. Citizens are reminded to keep warm. In particular, citizens with chronic or cardiovascular diseases should pay extra care to how they are feeling. When using gas water heaters, please keep indoor spaces properly ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. If you find homeless persons or single-dwelling senior citizens that are in urgent need of help, please call the 1999 Citizen Hotline; the Tainan City Government is on standby to provide assistance when needed.
(3) Cases of the flu remain few; however, the flu may spread as temperatures drop. The human body does not produce sufficient antibodies until two weeks after vaccination. Thus, to prevent the flu from spreading, citizens that qualify for free vaccinations are advised to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Paid vaccinations are also available for citizens who are not eligible for free vaccinations. Vaccines decrease health risks, protecting yourself and others.
Announcements
1. The Finance and Local Tax Bureau’s report on streamlining tax affairs and promoting private participation in infrastructure projects – administrative achievements over the past eight years (refer to written sources for details)
Decision: Approved for reference filing
Mayor’s Remarks:
(1) I would like to thank Director Shen for the report. In terms of tax services, the Finance and Local Tax Bureau has utilized limited human resources in a flexible manner. With satisfying citizens’ demands and achieving balanced urban-rural development in mind, 11 service counters have been added. Furthermore, a joint collaboration network consisting of Annan Office, the National Taxation Bureau of the Southern Area, and Sinying Office has been established, laying a foundation for unitary executive services and greatly reducing the time and effort required from citizens on tax-related errands. This development serves as an excellent paradigm for streamlining municipal affairs and enhancing convenience for citizens.
(2) In terms of fiscal management, the Tainan City Government has strictly adhered to fiscal disciplines over the past few years, proactively reducing debt and attracting innovative and energetic private businesses to invest in and revitalize municipal assets, which has benefited citizens, businesses, and the government. The municipal team has made an effort to increase income and cut expenditures, with substantial efficiency in securing contracts for private participation in infrastructure projects. From when Tainan was upgraded as a special municipality to the end of 2017, a total of NT $150 million has been issued in incentives for such projects. As a liaison for the Committee for the Promotion of Private Participation in Infrastructure, the Finance and Local Tax Bureau has spared no effort in helping other departments promote private participation. Meanwhile, the Finance and Local Tax Bureau has also encouraged business matchmaking and revitalized underutilized and idle assets, eliminating the problem of having to purchase or rent property and saving nearly NT $7 billion in municipal expenditure. For instance, many idle community activity centers or city and township representative centers have been transformed into daycare centers that offer reliable services for Tainan’s citizens.
(3) Several major revitalization projects in Tainan remain in progress. For example, the much anticipated Simen Shopping District Revitalization Project and several other private participation projects are being discussed or planned. The municipal team will continue to promote private participation in infrastructure projects. With the spirit of public-private partnership in mind, we endeavor to prosper Tainan. I encourage the Finance and Local Tax Bureau to continue its great work and take steps to channel more income into Tainan.