Seven MRT officials censured for severe Taipei flood damage

Attempting placate public anger at recurring flood damage and allegedly shoddy construction practices at MRT sites, the Taipei City Government yesterday disciplined seven MRT officials and offered compensation to more than 15,000 homes in Sanchung, Taipei County, and 4,200 homes in Taipei City.

Sanchung who suffered damage from floodwater higher than 1m during Typhoon Aere earlier this month can apply for a maximum of NT$50,000. Households that suffered lower levels of flooding are eligible for NT$30,000 in compensation.

But those in Sanchung who do not accept these terms can file individual claims to the government for more compensation, the government said.

As for buildings damaged in Taipei City in last weekend's deluge, the city government will offer NT$20,000 per household that suffered flooding higher than 1m and NT$10,000 for households that suffered water levels between 0.5m and 1m.

The city government's Department of Rapid Transit Systems (DORTS) was also held responsible for two floods within 17 days apparently related to MRT construction "negligence."

Seven were disciplined, including eastern project office chief Kao Tsung-cheng (高宗正) and deputy chief Chen Yao-wei (陳耀維).

DORTS Chang Chi-te (常歧德) was spared, however, and asked to stay at his post to oversee the distribution of compensation.