At today's meeting of the Drought Central Emergency Operations Center, Premier Mao Chi-kuo stated that given the rainfall projections for this April, May and June, Taiwan's drought could become even more severe than at the end of last year. Therefore, to prolong the availability of water resources, stricter conservation measures are to be implemented ahead of schedule.
The current drought is one of the most severe on record, Mao said. Presently it is still uncertain whether the upcoming "plum rain" monsoon and subsequent flood season will bring sufficient rainfall.
Therefore, the government must prepare for the worst in fighting drought, with the central and local governments working together. The premier thanked relevant ministries and agencies as well as various county and city governments for their efforts. Drought fighting measures are constantly undergoing rolling reviews, and he expects all citizenry to collaborate to pass through this phase of hardship.
New Taipei City's Banqiao, Xinzhuang and Linkou districts as well as Taoyuan City will commence the third phase of water conservation measures April 1, earlier than was previously scheduled, Mao said. Every week, these areas will have water supplied for five days and go without water for two days. This will directly affect the daily lives of residents, requiring them to make adjustments accordingly.
However, the premier pointed out that a more effective means is to give discounts to those using less water and encourage the public to install water conservation equipment. He asked the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) to speedily put up a webpage for people to get information on what kind of equipment to change.
MOEA Minister Deng Chen-chung, who is serving as commander of the Drought Central Emergency Operations Center, said that on April 1 the MOEA will launch measures to reward citizens for conserving water. Discount criteria will be based on the amount of water conserved. Citizens will be encouraged to install water-saving faucets and toilets as well as other conservation equipment. The MOEA's Water Resources Agency will announce these measures soon in advance of April 1 so that the general public and manufacturers can make adjustments ahead of time.
New Taipei and Taoyuan have already formulated relevant coordinating measures, the premier pointed out. Reviews are ongoing for other counties and cities, which must also be prepared to carry out more stringent water-conservation measures earlier than scheduled if there is no improvement in rainfall.
The premier hopes local governments can learn water-conservation measures from one another. He asked relevant central ministries and agencies to coordinate in carrying out widespread measures in such areas as public facilities, government agencies, organizations and schools, and construction sites. Although currently some counties and cities are still in the first phase of water conservation, they should ensure that those measures are being thoroughly implemented.
Premier Mao especially asked local governments to pay attention to areas not connected to waterworks, which may face water shortages as their natural water sources dry up. County and city governments can also seek the central government's assistance to jointly resolve these issues.
Minister Deng stated that adjustments to anti-drought measures will be deliberated after observation of rainfall in the first half of April.