Major’s Remarks:
1. The Tainan City government has secured 15 grants totaling over NTD 300 million from the National Land Management Agency, Ministry of Interior, for its "Sustainable Improvement of Pedestrian Safety Projects." This initiative aims to enhance pedestrian spaces across the city. Relevant bureaus and agencies are urged to collaborate closely to achieve this goal. The project includes optimizing sidewalks, pedestrian spaces, and arcades. The Public Works Bureau and the Transportation Bureau are responsible for promoting and optimizing construction and usage practices. Additionally, all districts are asked to conduct inventories and inspect outdated traffic signals to support the government's optimization efforts.
2. Tainan City, renowned as Taiwan's largest mango producer, is entering its peak mango season. The Agriculture Bureau is urged to support fruit farmers by improving agricultural product quality, extending shelf life, and enhancing marketability. These efforts aim to strengthen competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. It is crucial to intensify inspections at vegetable and fruit markets to ensure a fair, safe, and hygienic consumption environment for citizens, thereby upholding the city's reputation as a premier mango producer. Consumer rights and agricultural product safety remain top priorities. Moreover, international mango sales channels have been expanding. Last year, in collaboration with the central government, the city government upgraded the vapor heat treatment plant in Yujing District, extending mango shelf life from 8 to 14 days. The Agriculture Bureau is instructed to continue monitoring this process closely. All city bureaus and departments are encouraged to promote the use of domestic fruits as gifts, emphasizing locally sourced options. This approach not only showcases the quality of Tainan City's produce to recipients from other regions but also enhances sales opportunities for local farmers.
3. Bureaus and departments that have submitted appeals, as well as those who have not yet responded to the letter concerning "cases notified by the Tainan City Audit Office under the Audit Act for improvement," are urged to prepare comprehensive explanations promptly. These explanations should cover both the substantive and legal aspects of the issues raised. Additionally, bureaus and departments are encouraged to seek assistance from the Department of Legal Affairs and the Department of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics. Furthermore, the Civil Service Ethics Department is requested to launch an investigation into any potential misuse of funds.
Reports
1. The Water Resources Bureau presented a report on "Diverse Flood Control Preparation Work" (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Approved for reference filing.
Mayor’s Comments:
(1) Citizens are deeply concerned about flood management and prevention. Thanks to ongoing efforts by successive mayors and their teams, the incidence of flooding in our city has steadily decreased in recent years. However, significant challenges were faced during short-duration intense rainfall events on August 23, 2018, and June 2019, as well as flooding incidents in the Baihe Tribe Community in 2023. Prompt actions by colleagues ensured that disasters were swiftly contained at the time, enabling residents to begin post-disaster reconstruction. With support from the Labor Affairs Bureau, affected residents were able to renovate their homes and refurbish their furniture.
(2) While man-made engineering projects have their limits, the forces of nature are boundless. Nevertheless, our commitment to enhancing flood control and protection measures remains crucial. Over recent years, the city government has successfully completed the construction of pumping stations, flood detention ponds, mobile water pumps, and water sluice gates, all of which have played significant roles. For instance, during last year's heavy rainfall, the flood detention ponds and water pumping stations in the rezoning area of Annan District were preemptively activated, effectively mitigating urban flooding. Just last week, following a short-duration intense rainfall event, accumulated water subsided promptly once the rain ceased. Notably, the water pumps and pumping stations operated flawlessly, preventing any incidents of flooding. We extend our appreciation to the relevant bureaus and departments for their efforts.
(3) It is crucial to maintain flood protection measures like pumping stations, mobile water pumps, and water sluice gates in optimal condition at all times. Additionally, districts and neighborhoods should stockpile waterproof baffles, sandbags, and other essential supplies to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. We appreciate the diligent efforts of relevant bureaus and departments, including the Water Resources Bureau and Agriculture Bureau, for their efforts.
(4) Last year's severe dengue fever outbreak placed a heavy burden on public health and city government colleagues. Therefore, citizens are urged to clean their surroundings and eliminate mosquito breeding sources promptly once the rain subsides and water recedes. We rely on the cooperation of city government officials and residents alike. With these collective efforts, we aim to prevent a dengue fever epidemic this year. It is crucial to emphasize that flood prevention is equally important as preventing epidemics, so let's continue to work together diligently on both fronts.
2. The Cultural Affairs Bureau presented a report titled "2024 Summer Theatre Festival" (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Approved for reference filing.
Mayor’s Comments:
(1) The "Summer Theatre Festival," initiated by the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Tainan City in 2016 and co-organized with Yunlin County, Chiayi County, and Chiayi City, is now in its ninth year. Citizens from Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Chiayi City, and Tainan City eagerly anticipate this annual event, which will be hosted by Chiayi County this year. The Cultural Affairs Bureau is tasked with actively coordinating the event to foster the artistic and cultural brand image of "Yunlin, Chiayi, Chiayi, and Xinying Theatre Connection."
(2) Through collaborative efforts across counties and cities, citizens and friends can engage in cultural and artistic exchanges with people from different regions. This year, Tainan City will host a total of 17 activities as part of the "Summer Theatre Festival," running from June 22 to September 1. We eagerly anticipate active public participation during the summer vacation period, fostering another wave of artistic excellence that enhances Tainan City's reputation as an artistic hub and contributes to Taiwan's identity as an island of art.