Mayor’s Remarks:
1. Since the beginning of spring this year (2026), rainfall in southern Taiwan has been below normal, and the central government has already activated its response mechanism. The Environmental Protection Bureau is therefore requested to use reclaimed water for the routine irrigation of roadside trees and hedges, and all bureaus, departments, and schools are also requested to implement water-saving measures in earnest. During the once-in-a-century drought in 2021, meaningful rainfall did not arrive until late May, and in 2023 the drought persisted until early June. At present, the City’s reservoirs are only 37% full, and with the spring plowing season approaching, daily agricultural and domestic water demand is as high as 4 million metric tons. All bureaus, departments, and schools are therefore requested to conserve water and carry out water-saving plans.
2. Since the beginning of spring, low rainfall and dry conditions have led to a succession of fires of various sizes, some of which have resulted in casualties. The relevant bureaus and departments are requested to pay particular attention to this matter. With the Qingming Festival approaching, the Civil Affairs Bureau, Fire Bureau, Police Bureau, and other relevant departments are requested to strengthen fire prevention outreach to reduce the number of fires during tomb-sweeping activities, ease the burden on firefighting personnel, and avoid potential risks to public safety.
3. This year’s pineapple and muskmelon harvests are larger than in previous years. The Agriculture Bureau is requested to strengthen marketing channels and expand dried-fruit processing while also identifying any restrictions affecting marketing channels in the United Kingdom and the European Union. In addition, lower-than-usual rainfall this year may result in smaller mangoes. To avoid affecting mango growth, the Agriculture Bureau is requested to plan in advance how mountain area water storage ponds will be utilized so farmers can carry out irrigation promptly when needed.
4. The Orchid Show has concluded. The Agriculture Bureau, Education Bureau, and other relevant bureaus and departments are requested to compile the number of orchids needed and actively submit applications to the Ministry of Agriculture.
5. All bureaus and departments are requested to encourage their staff to visit the Smart City Summit & Expo to learn about their strengths and how they may be applied in practice.
Reports
I. The Public Works Bureau presented a report titled “Tainan Metropolitan Expressway and Surrounding Road Network" (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Filed for reference.
Mayor’s Comments:
(1) The Tainan Metropolitan Expressway project approved by the central government covers Phases I through IV. After years of construction, sections have gradually been completed and opened to traffic. Once fully completed, the project will substantially reduce travel time for vehicles traveling from the urban area, Annan District, Yongkang District, and National Freeway No. 1 to the Southern Taiwan Science Park, which will be a major benefit to commuters traveling to and from the Park.
(2) The Tainan Metropolitan Expressway serves an important function. It can help prevent commuter traffic bound for the Southern Taiwan Science Park from becoming as congested as that around Hsinchu Science Park while also saving commuters considerable time and effort. It is hoped that the project will be completed on schedule and to the required standard.
2. The Sports Bureau presented a report titled “The March 20 Opening Press Conference for the Asia-Pacific Main Stadium and the March 29 Preparations Briefing for the Chinese Professional Baseball League Season Opener” (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Filed for reference.
Mayor’s Comments:
(1) Planning for the Asia-Pacific International Baseball Stadiums and Training Centers began when President Lai was serving as mayor. Construction of the youth baseball field was launched during the tenure of former Acting Mayor Lee, and construction of the adult baseball stadium began during my term as mayor. After a series of adjustments to facilities, lighting, and other park infrastructure, the adult baseball stadium is finally ready to open officially for the 2026 season. The public has been eagerly awaiting this moment, and the City Government is treating it as a major celebratory occasion. All relevant bureaus and departments are therefore requested to remain fully alert and well prepared to ensure that every aspect of the event proceeds smoothly. It is hoped that, even if tens of thousands of fans attend on opening day, traffic flow, public security, and environmental cleanliness will all be maintained without incident, providing both fans and players with an excellent environment for watching and playing the game.
(2) The Sports Bureau, Transportation Bureau, Police Bureau, Environmental Protection Bureau, and other relevant departments are requested to reconfirm all arrangements before the event and make thorough preparations so that the main adult baseball stadium at the Asia-Pacific International Baseball Stadiums and Training Centers will meet public expectations.
(3) March 29 will be the Uni-Lions’ home opener. It is hoped that everyone will celebrate together and help make the Asia-Pacific International Baseball Stadiums and Training Centers the premier baseball venue in Taiwan.