Mayor’s Remarks:
1. All bureaus should keep a close eye on recent developments in the pandemic. We must not let our guard down. Many cases in other countries indicate that despite having a high percentage of the population that has received two vaccinations, the new Omicron variant has led to breakthrough infections. Some countries, such as Japan, have entered a complete lockdown to prevent the new variant from entering its borders. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and follow the instructions of the CECC. I urge the public to mask up and follow pandemic prevention protocols.
2. There have been major changes in the weather recently. As many events are scheduled to take place in December, I ask all colleagues to take the weather into consideration when organizing events.
3. Water conservation is as important as pandemic prevention. Although our water resources are not as strained as last year, the water level at Zengwun Reservoir has already dropped below 70%. Thus, we must make plans ahead of time. I urge the public to conserve water. The Agriculture Bureau should also promote measures for conserving irrigation water and collaborate with the Central Government to promote the growth of drought-tolerant crops or the introduction of smart irrigation systems. Water is a precious resource. Although Taiwan has significant rainfall, precipitation is often concentrated, and heavy rainfall tends to happen in a short window of time. As a result, we are faced with water shortages. All bureaus should prepare for this issue as soon as possible and employ corresponding measures. We are now in the dry season, so we must use current water reserves with caution until next year’s flood season arrives.
4. I ask Secretary-General Fang and heads of department to work closely with the Bureau of Economic Development; thereby ensuring that the bureau’s projects are completed ahead of schedule and in accordance with quality standards. The Bureau of Economic Development and Environmental Protection Bureau should assign designated personnel to complete amendments and discussions related to environmental impact assessments.
Announcements
1. The Cultural Affairs Bureau’s report on library construction and operations (refer to written sources for details)
Decision: Approved for reference filing
Mayor’s Remarks:
(1) Tainan’s libraries have not dwindled because of the rise of digital technology. Rather, diverse reading approaches, exhibitions, and learning methods have improved the operations and utilization of libraries. During the pandemic, we even saw a rise in book borrowings.
(2) The report indicates that libraries play an important role in public learning and social interaction. I anticipate that the Cultural Affairs Bureau will further enhance the services of Tainan's libraries and facilitate the communication between libraries. By doing so, we can encourage more citizens to develop the habit of reading, and citizens will fully utilize physical books, e-books, and other resources offered by libraries.
1. The Department of Information & International Relation’s report on the 2022 Tainan Christmas and New Year’s event (refer to written sources for details)
Decision: Approved for reference filing
Mayor’s Remarks:
(1) Since 2019, the municipal government has taken a new approach to organizing New Year’s events. Now, the Christmas and New Year’s events that take place in December are held in multiple locations across the city, rather than in one single location. I would like to extend a warm welcome to young people, tourists, and citizens to visit these events and experience Christmas in Tainan. I’m confident that in addition to being a popular tourist destination, Tainan is also a favorite when it comes to experiencing diverse Christmas events.
(2) Last year (2020), the Christmas and New Year’s events were held online because of the pandemic. Of course, the public felt slightly disappointed about this. But we have come a long way since. If all goes well, we will be able to enjoy Christmas and New Year’s events in person, so long as we adhere to pandemic prevention protocol. Together, let us welcome the arrival of 2022.