Premier Jiang Yi-huah said today the government already has countermeasures ready to tackle an islandwide drought brought on by an unusual dry season.
"Taiwan has seen less rain than usual this year, and signs of drought are in evidence," the premier noted when attending a lantern-lighting ceremony in Hsinchu City today. "In view of this, the Water Resources Agency of the Ministry of Economic Affairs already has response measures in place, including calling on the public to conserve water, limiting the use of water for irrigation and exercising other forms of water control."
Stricter regulations are also being placed on swimming pools, car washes and other activities that require large amounts of water, the premier added.
While at the ceremony, the premier also prayed for Taiwan to have a robust economy, peace, prosperity and favorable weather this year.
"It is hoped that the upcoming plum rain season will relieve the nation with an abundance of precipitation," the premier added.
The ceremony was held at the lantern-shaped Taiwan Pavilion from Expo 2010, also known as the Shanghai World's Fair. After that event, the pavilion was disassembled and moved to Hsinchu, where it was rebuilt and recently reopened as a tourist attraction.