In theory, the central government should send officials to localities to bring resources, explain laws and solve disputes. Central government officials stationed in localities have developed a different system, however, collecting information, supervising relief efforts and interfering in local people's affairs. For instance, the Taipei County Government assisted the Taichung County Government in sending social workers to quake-affected areas, but the central government insisted on sending observers with them to have victims fill out compensation forms. Victims in Taipei County did not have to fill out any forms to collect condolence payments. The central government merely increased the burden on victims in central Taiwan.
It is the central government's duty to quickly and effectively get involved in relief efforts. The central government should provide funding, integrate resources and manpower, revise regulations, establish standards and materially support rescue efforts. Local governments should be put in charge of rescue and reconstruction efforts. But if the government wantonly changes regulations and improperly involves itself -- or strips county governments of their authority -- the efficiency of relief efforts is bound to decrease and future problems are sure to develop.
Lin Wan-yi is deputy commissioner of Taipei County.
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