Premier Frank Hsieh (
"For most people, floods are a nightmare and it is the government's job to keep this nightmare away," Hsieh said. "Inaction toward flooding only happens in undeveloped countries. We will not let that happen."
Hsieh made the remarks yesterday morning while visiting the Yuantsushan Dam in Jueifang Township in Taipei County.
PHOTO: SEAN CHAO, TAIPEI TIMES
The Yuantsushan Dam construction project began last year. It is located upstream from the Keelung River, which runs through Taipei City. The dam, scheduled to be competed in May, will divert the river's water away from the Taipei metropolitan area, reducing the potential of flooding.
A local TV news reporter drowned at the construction site on Oct. 25 while covering flooding brought on by heavy rain.
Hsieh asked related government agencies to finish the construction project before May so the dam could begin operation before the summer.
As a result of the project, a number of homes have been damaged, and as many as 200 nearby residents will have to be relocated before the dam opens.
During the premier's visit, Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) member and Taipei County Councilor Liao Hsiu-hsiung (
Hsieh promised that all necessary compensation will be given very soon and that the government will not deny compensation to those who deserve it.
"Construction has been ongoing for nearly six months, but compensation [for nearby residents] has not come. It it taking too long," Hsieh said.
The premier's NT$80 billion anti-flooding proposal would see the construction of more dams and reservoirs to combat flooding. If the proposal goes through, all new construction projects would be completed within eight years, according to Hsieh.
Such construction is essential, the premier said.
Hsieh also said that construction of dams and reservoirs could cause damage to the homes of nearby residents.
The relevant government agencies must provide compensation for property damage, as well as to people displaced a result of the anti-flooding project, he said.
"Keeping ourselves safe from flooding is everybody's hope. As a result, I urge lawmakers to support this proposal when it is introduced in the legislature," Hsieh said.
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