Mayor’s Remarks:
1. Tainan’s major Lantern Festival events all concluded this week. I want to thank concerned departments for their hard work. I ask the departments that organized these events to gather the experiences of Tainan and other municipalities in hosting such events and review feedback from the public. For example, issues regarding public restrooms at Yuejin Lantern Festival were reported. Concerned departments should assist in solving these issues as soon as possible so that we can fulfill our duties to the public.
2. Last week, the municipal government convened a meeting on drought prevention with central government agencies. Concerned departments should act in accordance with the conclusions of this meeting and simultaneously increase water sources and reduce water consumption. Representatives from Yunlin, Chiayi, Pingtung, and Tainan have all been invited to a drought-prevention meeting held by the central government. We should seize this opportunity and share our experience in drought prevention with other municipalities and the central government. The Secretariat has already implemented water-saving measures in the municipal building. I ask the Fire Department, Police Department, household registration offices, and other concerned departments to also implement similar measures in restrooms. I ask the Bureau of Economic Development to establish rewards programs to incentivize the public to save water. The Bureau of Economic Development should communicate with the Water Resources Bureau and confirm the efficacy of promoting water-saving measures to the public, adjusting water level warnings, and reducing water pressure during the evenings. The Bureau of Economic Development should also encourage Southern Taiwan Science Park Administration to increase the use of reclaimed water.
3. I ask the Cultural Affairs Bureau to provide free entry tickets for the 2023 FOCASA Circus Arts Festival to top students in rural areas. Please also make parking plans accordingly and allocate designated areas near the venue for street performers.
Announcements
1. The Bureau of Economic Development’s report on improving tap water coverage (refer to written sources for details)
Decision: Approved for reference filing
Deputy Mayor Chao’s Remarks:
Among the six special municipalities, Tainan’s tap water coverage is second only to Taipei City. However, 319 households in remote areas are still left without tap water because of geographical restraints and issues related to water supply costs. In 2023, during the tenure of Mayor Huang, the Bureau of Economic Development’s budget for increasing tap water coverage was increased to 20 million, and construction work was carried out in conjunction with projects led by the central government. With the municipal government’s efforts, central government funding for 634 households was secured between 2019 and 2023. I ask the Bureau of Economic Development to arrange an order for the remaining 319 cases reviewed for funding. Please take proactive measures in securing funding during meetings with the central government. I thank the Bureau of Economic Development, Taiwan Water Corporation, and the Water Resources Agency for their help in this matter.
2. The Cultural Affairs Bureau’s report on the 2023 FOCASA Circus Arts Festival (refer to written sources for details)
Decision: Approved for reference filing
Mayor’s Remarks:
(1) FOCASA has performed in northern Taiwan before. However, Taiwan’s first Circus Art Festival will be held in Tainan, featuring 29 performance groups from seven countries. I’m confident that the turnout will be significant. I ask the Cultural Affairs Bureau, Bureau of Tourism, and Department of Information and International Relations to assist in promoting the festival.
(2) The organizers of the festival are a local circus group, which makes this event even more special. I look forward to this event being a success, and I sincerely welcome visitors to attend the festival during the February 28 long holiday.