The Executive Yuan today passed draft amendments to the Urban Renewal Act. The revised legislation now goes to the Legislative Yuan for review.
Premier Lai Ching-te said that according to Ministry of the Interior (MOI) statistics, nearly half of Taiwan's residential buildings—around 4 million of some 8.5 million total—are more than 30 years old. This gradual aging of the domestic housing stock is a cause for concern with respect to disaster prevention and earthquake resistance. Picking up the pace of urban renewal is both necessary and urgent, as it will help ensure housing safety and the quality of life for the people of Taiwan.
Thanking Minister without Portfolio Chang Jing-sen for his oversight and guidance, as well as Minister of the Interior Yeh Jiunn-rong and the MOI staff for putting forward the draft amendments, Premier Lai said the changes will have a positive effect by shortening implementation times and sharpening the public's appetite for urban renewal by increasing financial incentives and simplifying procedures. At the same time, the amendments also strengthen proper administrative procedures required by the Constitution in order to protect the rights and interests of the public. Finally, the revisions have great significance for both accelerating the promotion of the government's urban renewal policy as well as achieving housing justice and the development of Taiwan's industry and economy.