Commentary

Taiwan keeps nose to Morakot grindstone

(Photos courtesy of Morakot Post-Disaster Reconstruction Council)

• Publication Date：04/21/2012
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Ed Zacapa

On April 9, Chern Jenn-chuan, CEO of the Morakot Post-Disaster Reconstruction Council, said restoration of industries in Taiwan’s typhoon-hit areas is of the utmost importance. He urged all parties to work together in helping breathe life into battered local economies, pledging that the ROC government will continue assisting the private sector and nongovernmental organizations in rebuilding regions devastated by the 2009 tropical storm.

Chern’s comments came during a meeting with representatives from the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, Kaohsiung City-based China Steel Corp., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd., Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd., ROC Red Cross Society and World Vision Taiwan.

The CEO thanked Hon Hai for sponsoring Yonglin Organic Farm in Kaohsiung, TSMC for helping Lijia Village in Chiayi County build tea and bamboo shoot processing plants and China Steel for agreeing to purchase agricultural products from regions devastated by Morakot. In addition, he praised the Red Cross and World Vision, stating that their funds and resources have helped fast-track the recovery of battered regions.

It is reassuring to see that nearly three years since Typhoon Morakot tore through southern Taiwan leaving a trail of destruction resulting in 681 deaths and forcing thousands to flee mudslides and flood waters, the government continues to prioritize post-disaster reconstruction efforts.

Getting the lives of those affected by the disaster back on track has not been easy. The needs of no two communities were alike and, despite the government’s desire to assist, some requirements could not be met overnight. But by listening to grassroots opinions and conducting comprehensive impact assessments, housing and infrastructure support was delivered to the majority of areas in a timely fashion.

The latest report released by the council paints a bright picture of efforts to date. Of the 6,419 projects involving homes, schools, roads and bridges, 95 percent have been completed at the cost of NT$138.5 billion (US$4.78 billion).

A further accomplishment is that the plan to build permanent housing for those who lost their homes during the typhoon is 90 percent complete, with 2,946 of 3,309 structures finished, accommodating over 11,000 people.

In turning the spotlight on the depth of private sector and NGO support for victims and communities of the disaster, Chern has reaffirmed the value of the council in coordinating relief efforts. This fact has not gone unnoticed in neighboring countries such as Japan, which invited the CEO to tour some of its worst-hit areas one year on from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that left the northeastern part of the country in ruins.

Visiting as a guest of the Asian Civil Engineering Coordinating Council, Chern shared his experiences as Taiwan’s reconstruction go-to guy while inspecting Natori City, Sendai Airport, and the ports of Ishinomaki and Shiogama. He also outlined Taiwan’s emergency relief and reconstruction procedures at two international seminars during his stay.

One area of particular interest to the Japanese during the CEO’s visit was Taiwan’s use of alternative energy sources in public infrastructure projects.

So far, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has allocated NT$84 million (US$2.85 million) to setting up 12 solar power systems for use in lighting and heating central and local government facilities during nonstorm periods and for emergency rescue and relief communications when weather conditions cut supplies.

An additional 55 emergency power systems are being installed in the southern counties of Chiayi and Nantou, along with Kaohsiung City. These projects should be completed on target by the end of April.

There is no question that Chern’s trip was invaluable in bringing Taiwan and Japan closer together and promoting bilateral exchanges in disaster management efforts. But more importantly, it showed that the council and its management policies are growing in international renown.

But not everyone is satisfied with the council’s handling of reconstruction efforts. Some indigenous peoples from Chiayi, Kaohsiung and Pingtung are unhappy with the pace of local road building and have staged several demonstrations in Taipei City.

They claim their communities are still being forced to use temporary roads and makeshift bridges, and that this is impacting the education, health and livelihood of residents in these affected areas. Although the protestors have a legitimate beef, they must keep in mind that rebuilding roads in mountainous areas, let alone ones affected by typhoons, is a time-consuming task.

Chern has repeatedly stated that this issue will be addressed in the final stage of reconstruction efforts, with all damaged road infrastructure returned to pre-Morakot levels, or better. He is correct in asking those displeased with the current state of affairs to keep in mind that the government has not forgotten them and is committed to fulfilling its mission and safeguarding the lives and property of Taiwan’s 23 million people.

Disasters are times of great uncertainty but one surety to emerge from the aftermath of Morakot is the guarantee that coordinated government, private sector and NGO assistance flowing toward those affected by the typhoon has laid the foundations for a strong rebound and a prosperous future.

Ed Zacapa is a freelance writer based in Kaohsiung. These views are the author’s and not necessarily those of Taiwan Today. Copyright © 2012 by Ed Zacapa

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