Deputy Mayor Chao’s Remarks:
1. The Taiwan Lantern Festival is scheduled to conclude on March 10th. Since its commencement, the festival has received widespread acclaim from various stakeholders. Senior officials from the central government and county and city governments have visited the festival in succession. The festival has surpassed the milestone of having 10 million visitors. We express our gratitude for the unwavering support from Tainan city government senior officials, counselors, directors-general of bureaus and departments, and colleagues from each bureau and department. Their contributions have not only earned public recognition for hosting this esteemed festival but also propelled Tainan's 400th-anniversary celebrations to unprecedented heights, as the lantern festival marks the first of a series of events. In light of the festival's impending closure, the Transportation Bureau is urged to assess the transportation diversion plan continually, while the Department of Information and International Relations, along with on-site staff, are encouraged to intensify efforts in promoting the use of public transportation. Furthermore, the relevant bureaus and departments, such as the Public Works Bureau and the Social Affairs Bureau, are requested to conduct site inspections and devise plans for post-festival tasks upon the removal of the lanterns. Additionally, the Tourism and Travel Bureau, Economic Development Bureau, and Agriculture Bureau are tasked with compiling the output value and additional benefits derived from the lantern festival. These findings will be announced in conjunction with the festival's accomplishments in the near future.
2. In recent times, traffic accidents in several counties and cities have raised significant public concern. The Police Bureau is urged to continue monitoring road safety data and developing relevant strategies. Similarly, the Transportation Bureau is urged to intensify public education on blind spots related to steering geometry while also continuously enhancing road markings and traffic signals. Through ongoing advancements in traffic engineering, we aim to reduce the frequency of traffic accidents and create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly environment.
Reports
1. The Urban Development Bureau presented a report entitled "Progress of Social Housing Construction in Tainan City" (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Approved for reference filing.
Deputy Mayor Chao’s Comments:
(1) In response to public concerns regarding the social housing rental system, the city government has convened its first briefing session and tasked the Urban Development Bureau with gathering pertinent public feedback for consideration. The central government has approved a standard number of 7,000 units for the city's "social housing construction project." Thanks to the concerted efforts of the mayor, directors-general of bureaus and departments, along with collaboration with the central government, Tainan city has successfully constructed 8,402 units. Additionally, prospective sites for future social housing will include activity centers, with plans to achieve an overall target of 10,000 units. This proactive approach by the city government reflects its commitment to meeting public expectations regarding social housing construction.
(2) Following the completion of social housing construction, the respective bureaus and departments are urged to prioritize financial sustainability in establishing public facilities and maintaining and operating social housing. This approach aims to foster positive development, alleviating the burden on both the private and public sectors.
(3) The city's self-built social housing project, Yi Ju Yong Ren, consisting of 109 units, is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. This marks the first batch of social housing units constructed by the city government, and they will be ready for rental occupancy. The Urban Development Bureau is tasked with carefully drafting the leasing specifications. Situated predominantly in prime urban development zones with convenient transportation, these social housing sites cater well to the needs of young individuals and applicants. Relevant bureaus and departments are encouraged to promote applications from eligible candidates actively. Ahead of meeting the supply and demand for social housing, the Social Affairs Bureau, Finance and Taxation Bureau, and other pertinent departments are urged to disseminate information regarding the Incentive for Privately Owned Subsidized Housing program. This initiative aims to assist more homeowners in addressing issues, such as vacant houses.