The Cabinet-level earthquake reconstruction task force, formed as a means to circumvent bureaucratic hierarchies by dealing directly with local leaders, convened its first meeting yesterday in Nantou County with support of officials from all parties.
Vice Premier Liu Chao-hsuan (劉兆玄), acting as executive director of the commission, hosted the meeting attended by representatives from Nantou County, which suffered major losses of property and life in the 921 earthquake.
Secretary-General of the DPP Yu Hsi-kun applauded the negotiations as critical in creating and maintaining cooperation in the process of reconstruction.
Luku's KMT mayor Chen Hsi-wu (
"Since the quake hit on Sept. 21, we have never had the chance to exchange our views with county magistrate Peng Pai-hsien (彭百顯), and certainly we have no idea how to follow his lead," he said.
"Once I brought my problems to central government officials, within one or two days, they have been able to give me an answer," Chen added.
Vice Premier Liu ordered several deputy cabinet ministers to establish a Taichung branch of the post-quake reconstruction commission to manage coordination with chiefs in disaster areas.
Participants at the meeting discussed progress in the reconstruction effort and future plans.
Wu Chao-feng (
The plan aims to recruit survivors left unemployed by the quake to assist in reconstruction efforts in their communities. Participants in the program will receive a monthly salary of NT$15,000 from the government.
Vice Premier Liu said it will be necessary for township councils to provide a comprehensive human resource scheme and to cooperate with the Council of Labor Affairs to receive the full benefits of the plan.
"We don't want to just issue money to survivors -- instead we hope they can contribute their strength to rebuilding their home towns," Liu said.
"I can agree to relaxing labor categories. As long as people are willing to work, they are the laborers we've been looking for," he said.
Liu assured those present that the plan would receive full financial backing from the central government if local governments are caught short of funds.
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