Premier Jiang Yi-huah today toured the Penghu Islands to inspect construction and improvement projects on Magong Airport, Zhongzheng Bridge, Yongan Bridge, sports facilities at National Penghu University of Science and Technology (NPUST), and a new multipurpose stadium for Penghu residents. He hopes that all of these efforts will improve transportation for these offshore islands, make life more convenient for residents and attract more tourists.
At Magong Airport, Premier Jiang said the runway and taxiway repair and improvement project that began in March 2011 is slated for completion by January 28, 2014. It may even be completed ahead of schedule in late December—just in time to serve the throngs of travelers flying into and out of Penghu for the Lunar New Year holidays. Premier Jiang was pleased the project will be completed in less than three years and expressed gratitude to the crews for their hard work.
"This airport bears an important responsibility; its runway and taxiway are essential infrastructures for tourism in the area," noted the premier. "The Penghu Islands are the largest of Taiwan's offshore island groups, and are rich in tourism resources. After the airport improvements are completed, I hope these facilities will be put to full use." Jiang added that he will push for central and local government cooperation in making Penghu a top island destination for tourists.
Premier Jiang next visited Penghu County Highway 203 to inspect reconstruction work on Zhongzheng and Yongan bridges, the main arteries to Huxi and Baisha townships. Jiang said the Penghu County government has requested funding to overhaul these two bridges because the water channels underneath have become smaller and fewer over time, to the point where water flow to the intertidal zones is being impeded and the local biodiversity is affected, Jiang said.
"Once the bridges are reconstructed, their exteriors will be aesthetically pleasing, water will flow more easily, and fishing boats and small-sized yachts will be able to pass through," Jiang said. He affirmed the plans and hoped the project could begin as scheduled. In the future, Penghu residents will have access to two modern bridges, and tourists can see a new side of Penghu.
The premier then stopped to inspect the sports facilities at NPUST and the site of a planned multipurpose stadium for local residents. "By creating an integrated sports center and renovating various existing facilities, we can offer more sports services to local residents."
Jiang also said the central government was willing to support Penghu County government in building a multipurpose sports stadium to serve the public's exercise and leisure activities as well as to hold large sporting and competition events. The stadium will enhance Penghu's participation in sports and attract more athletes to this beautiful region, he added.