Mayor’s Remarks:
The water situation in our city remains extremely tense. This (21st) afternoon, the central government will convene a special meeting to determine if irrigation for grain crops should continue. If irrigation is continued, the risk of a water shortage in Tainan City will increase. If irrigation is halted, we will then have to process agricultural compensations. That being said, the central government has our full cooperation. Therefore, I urge municipal employees to conserve as much water as possible at work, while also promoting water conservation measures to the public and regulating industrial water use. Let us work together through these hard times. I ask the Secretariat to determine how to further conserve water in restrooms in the city government’s buildings. In addition to conserving water, we should also increase the water supply, which is why concerned departments should discuss the possibility of excavating wells. Tainan City uses reclaimed water for public restrooms, firefighting, and street cleaning. Although the percentage of reclaimed water we use is already higher than other municipalities, we remain water stressed. I implore concerned departments to continue working on this issue. The Bureau of Economic Development should establish RO units for industrial use as soon as possible with the coordination of the Water Resources Bureau and the Southern Taiwan Science Park Bureau.
Announcements
1. The Agriculture Bureau’s report on the preparation work for the 2023 Taiwan International Orchid Show (refer to written sources for details)
Decision: Approved for reference filing
Mayor’s Remarks:
The orchid industry is a major industry in Tainan. Last year was the final year that the municipal government hosted the International Orchid Show, and the operations of Taiwan orchid Technology Park have since been handed over to the Council of Agriculture. In other words, this is the first year in which the Council of Agriculture will serve as the organizer for the International Orchid Show. Regardless of which entity organizes this important event, the local government and the central government should work closely together and bring Tainan and Taiwan to the international stage. I would like to thank everyone for supporting this event. The output and sales of orchids last year were both higher than in pre-COVID years. I anticipate that Taiwan’s orchid industry will continue to shine during events and exhibitions this year and that the association between Tainan and orchids will be reinforced both domestically and internationally.
2. The Bureau of Sports’ report on the 2023 Tainan Half Marathon (refer to written sources for details)
Decision: Approved for reference filing
Mayor’s Remarks:
(1) The Tainan Half Marathon is a signature event that represents Tainan City, while the Zeng Wen Reservoir Marathon is the oldest marathon in Taiwan. Both marathons have their own unique characteristics. The Tainan Half Marathon, which is set to take place on March 5, has seen an increase of more than 4,000 contestants compared to last year, translating to a growth of 25%. The number of contestants has increased across the board, with an additional 2,000 contestants in the half marathon group, and an additional 1,000 contestants each in the road running group (10 kilometers) and the health and leisure group (5 kilometers).
(2) Planning the route is a major part of organizing a marathon. I ask the Bureau of Sports to optimize the route and emphasize safety above all, eliminating the possibility of accidents. Additionally, the health of the contestants must be prioritized, and emergency medical services must be on standby. Please ensure that all medical equipment at first-aid stands is functional. Let us strive to ensure that the contestants and their families and friends are happy with the event and impressed with what Tainan has to offer.
(3) Concerned departments should consider how to incorporate Tainan’s charm and specialty foods into the agenda.