On a visit to Chiayi County today, Premier Sean Chen called the Tsou indigenous people "courageous and inspiring" in their determination to rebuild their communities after Typhoon Morakot, which ravaged villages and upended families in southern Taiwan in 2009.
Speaking at an inauguration ceremony for Zhulu Community, a new permanent housing site built under Chiayi's Luzijiao third-phase project, the premier also thanked the Morakot Post-Disaster Reconstruction Council (MPDRC) for its role in coordinating reconstruction projects among private organizations and local governments.
A home has spiritual value to every person because it is a shelter for the body and soul, the premier remarked, but rebuilding houses is only the first step. Much work still lies ahead, including the construction of a cultural and art center. As for the Tsou's concerns over domicile registration issues, the premier gave assurances that residents' rights would not be affected by the relocation.
Following a community plaque unveiling ceremony, the premier passed out housewarming gifts, toured a local produce fair, and visited a holiday market at nearby Rian Community, which was built during the first two phases of the Luzijiao project.
The premier also inspected the Forestry Bureau's Chukou work station in Chiayi. After hearing the MPDRC's report on revamping Alishan's tourism sites, he said it is important to weave together Taiwan's many small yet beautiful scenic attractions with a unique theme. He cited the example of integrating cultural, ecological and economic considerations when promoting tourism and reconstructing communities. Using such a coherent theme will knit a larger network of tourist sites to draw more visitors and spur local development.
Premier Chen pointed out that construction on the main Alishan railway line began in 1908 and ended on December 24, 1912. With the railway's 100th anniversary coming up, the premier thanked all agencies involved for their efforts to restore Alishan to its former glory. Thereafter, the premier took a tour of Chuko Nature Center's Green-Eco House and its tree bank.
According to the MPDRC, the Zhulu permanent housing base is Chiayi's largest in terms of scale and number of people. Covering an area of 9.2 hectares, it comprises 150 permanent units constructed by the ROC Red Cross Society and government agencies and is intended primarily for the Tsou in Alishan who lost their homes to Morakot.
Situated next to Taiwan Provincial Highway 18, the community is a major entry point into the Alishan recreational area. Currently, an activity center has been completed while construction continues on a tourism museum, cultural center and three church buildings. Alishan cherry trees are being planted all around with efforts to integrate Tsou images and totems. It is expected to become a unique hub for Tsou culture in Taiwan.
The MPDRC pointed out that the Alishan restoration project has benefited industries across the Greater Alishan area, reinvigorating Tsou culture and attracting tourists from around the world. It is also a successful example of public-private sector collaboration. The number of visitors to the area has already topped projections to reach 1.95 million this year.
In addition, the Forestry Bureau is expected to bring the Alishan Forest Railway back to full service in June 2014, after which a small tourist train will connect Chiayi City directly to the Alishan recreational area. This will significantly ease traffic and increase tourism along mountain roads.