The central and local governments must coordinate and integrate flood-prevention plans to lower the risk of flooding by raising flood-prevention capabilities, Premier Lin Chuan stated today.
So long as the central and local governments work in close collaboration, all difficulties and challenges can be overcome, Lin said.
The premier made these remarks while inspecting the engineering works at the Zhuzigang drainage basin in Yong'an District of Kaohsiung City. He pointed out that Zhuzigang is a major flood-prevention drainage works in the greater Kaohsiung area and its accomplishments deserve commendation.
People's lives and livelihoods hinge on agriculture and flood prevention, and the government has the duty to protect people's lives and property, Lin stated. Moreover, in recent years global warming has caused abnormal weather conditions, raising the likelihood of calamities. Hence, relevant agencies must make good use of existing resources and carry out comprehensive flood prevention.
The allocation of flood-prevention budgets must meet social needs, the premier remarked. As long as the plans are necessary and efficient, such budget allocations could be more flexible.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs stated that Zhuzigang is a major drainage system for Yong'an District, and to improve flood prevention in the area and in the Southern Taiwan Science Park (STSP), the STSP's water-resource section has budgeted funds for the Zhuzigang drainage works. Projects completed to date include the enlargement of embankments for three kilometers in the midstream and upstream as well as the reconstruction of two bridges downstream that faced drainage bottlenecks. The drainage basin was set up in May this year.
After the drainage system has been improved and the drainage basin completed, the science park will have smooth drainage channels, protecting the STSP and the "Tienwen" temple from flooding. Moreover, the completed works will help enhance the STSP's image and increase businesses' willingness to invest in the park, thus bringing about the region's development and greater tax revenue for the government.