To realize the vision of a livable city, the Taipei City Government has taken many initiatives: accelerated initiation of various road construction efforts that help boost convenient transportation for the public; continued urban greening and beautification efforts to make the city look more pleasant to the eyes and heart; proactively urged a variety of flood control and drainage constructions to protect the safety of residents’ lives and property; and devoted itself to enhancing all kinds of public utility construction projects to promote industrial development and drive prosperity. While we review the past and look forward to the future, the progress Taipei has made is visible for everyone to see and enjoy.

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G r a d u a l l y m o v i n g t o w a r d b e i n g a n international quality city, Taipei must provide people with safe and comfortable road service quality by building new river-crossing bridges, new roads, renewing pavements, improving sidewalk conditions, periodically inspecting bridge and culverts, and setting up common ducts. Devotion to public infrastructure projects paves the way for development in the future.

1. New Shezi Bridge The new Shezi Bridge provides a new traffic

corridor that directly connects Shezi Island and the Beitou and Tamsui Districts. The bridge contributes to convenient outgoing traffic from Shezi Island. Meanwhile, across the Keelung River, Shezi Bridge can serve as a construction pathway for Shezi Island development programs in the future. The main portion of the bridge across the river spans around 435 meters in

length and is about 38 to 42 meters wide. It is a single-tower asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge that includes the approach bridge and approach road on the Beitou end, Beitou Service Road No.13, and the ramp and bicycle trail on the Shezi Island end. Shezi Bridge was completed on February 5, 2013 and became officially operative on September 19 following the opening ceremony chaired by Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin on September 18.

2. New Fuguo Road Extension The Fuguo Road extension project involves

the east-west main trunk road in the Beitou-Shilin Technology Park that connects important trunk roads such as the Zhoumei Expressway, Chengde Road, and Wenl in North Road. The construction consists of two phases to accommodate zone expropriation in the Beitou-Shilin Technology Park.

Comfortable Road Service QualityPart1

Panoramic view of Shezi Bridge

Public construction in Taipei is pursuing a Garden City greening plan, road leveling schemes, automatic disaster prevention, and hydrophilic river banks, which are positioned to promote industrial development and drive urban prosperity. It also largely consists of building public housing and green buildings to enhance urban environmental quality, turning Taipei into an eco-city, which satisfies the local public's housing needs. This chapter introduces Taipei’s public infrastructure accomplishments in 2013. Envisioning our goals and staying focused, while continuing to move forward, will eventually get us there!

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(1) Phase 1 of the ProjectThis part of the Fuguo Road extension project

has a total length of around 1,800 meters. It connects the Fuguo Road Interchange ramp bridge and the flat road underneath in the west, and it crosses Huang River to arrive at the intersection of Wenlin North Road and Wenchang Road in the east, including the bridge across the Huang River. The two-way bridge is about 545 meters long and 16 to 22 meters wide, with two car lanes, the bicycle lane, and the sidewalk each way. The flat road is around 40 to 45 meters wide and a two-way road, with four car lanes, the bicycle lane, and the sidewalk in each direction. Construction began on March 2, 2013 and is scheduled for completion on August 26, 2015.

(2) Phase 2 of the ProjectThis part starts with the Fuguo Road ramp

of the Zhoumei elevated road in the west and arrives at the starting point of Stage 1 of the project. The total length is around 600 meters. The development timeframe for phase 2 of the Project will depend on the Beitou-Shilin Technology Park zone expropriation.

3. Renewal of Project-Covered RoadsRoads in Taipei have an approximate total

area of 22,520,000 square meters. Without taking into account divides, sidewalks, gutters, and MRT construction sites, the actual asphalt concrete area comes to approximately 15,000,000 square

meters. This plan started in 2009 and will end in 2014, 6 years in total, and involves pavement renewal of major roads in Taipei. Between 2009 and 2013, renewal of 238 roads was completed, with an area of around 5,690,000 square meters in total. Calculated for an ordinary 4-lane road (16 meters wide), about 355 kilometers were completed, which is equivalent to the distance from Keelung to Nanzi and Qishan in Kaohsiung. For the renewed pavements involved in this project, around 39,400 manholes in total were lowered. In 2013 alone, an additional 338,000 square meters were renewed and 1,904 manholes were lowered. Once the whole project is completed, it is expected that road service quality will be greatly improved in the downtown area of Taipei, providing a safe and comfortable traffic network. The proactive action, care, and devotion demonstrated by the Taipei City Government to the maintenance of roads was recognized and won the honor of national first place by the Construction and Planning Agency, Ministry of the Interior in the Metropolis Category of the "2013 Urban Road Maintenance and Management Performance Evaluation."

4. Improving Sidewalk ConditionsSidewalks in Taipei have an approximate total

area of 2,500,000 square meters. From 1999 to 2013, the condition of around 2,206,680 square meters of sidewalks was improved, accounting for 88.27% of the total area in the city. Targeting around 50,000 square meters of sidewalks to be renewed each year, it is expected that

The renewed portion of Zhongxiao East Road Section 3

The renewed portion of Chengde Road Section 4

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comprehensive improvement can be completed in 2019 to provide Taipei citizens with safe, beautiful, organized, and spacious walking spaces and improve the quality of residential and activity spaces. The Taipei City Government proactively promotes improvement and renewal of sidewalks and the outcomes have been well received by the public. Taipei City Government won the honor of national first place in the Metropolis Category of the 2013 Evaluation of Barrier-free Environments for Pedestrians in Urban Areas, issued by the Construction and Planning Agency, Ministry of the Interior.

5. Periodic Inspection of Bridges and CulvertsThere are currently 198 ordinary bridges,

34 river-crossing bridges, 30 overpasses for vehicles, 88 overpasses for pedestrians, 12 tunnels, 12 underground passageways for vehicles, and 54 underground passageways for pedestrians, or 428 in total, in Taipei that are periodically inspected and repaired.

(1) Painting Steel BridgesThe steel structure was reinforced with a

resistance buttress to slow down environmentally caused erosion on the steel structure. These measures were aimed at ensuring safety, and enhancing the appearance of the bridge.

(2) Bridge Inspection, Maintenance and Reinforcement

A total of 238 bridges were inspected in 2013. Shock resistance components and flood control mechanisms of the bridges were checked. For bridges that require any improvements after inspection, a budget will be earmarked to

facilitate the necessary reinforcements to ensure traveling safety.

6. Constructing Common DuctsIn accordance with the Common Duct

Act, the Taipei City Government included public facility pipelines that belong to different operating units in common ducts to minimize road excavation and reduce the risk of traffic jams and accidents possibly arising from road construction. To date, common duct construction has been completed in the following areas and is now in full operation: the Civic Boulevard route, the New Community route (Keelung River Bend straightened area), the Zhoumei route and the Nangang Economy and Trade Park, Dadu Road, the railway underground eastward extension construction project to Nangang, Neihu Phase 5, and Guandu Road. The following common duct projects are now under construction: the MRT Xinyi Line common duct, the MRT Songshan Line common duct as part of the MRT network, Beitou-Shilin Technology Park, and Fuguo Road. The MRT Wanda Line, on the other hand, is still under planning and design.

The sidewalk along Yumen Street is wide and filled with greenery

Power cables inside common ducts at Nangang Business Park

The bridge is carefully examined

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Stage Gauge (Monitoring) Station

1. Flood Control and Drainage Construction

(1) Establishing a Comprehensive Flood Control Mechanism in Taipei

The Taipei Comprehensive Flood Control Management Commission was inaugurated in 2006 with the objective of launching a new water management mechanism for “retaining upstream water resources, minimizing midstream flood risks, and preventing downstream flooding”, integrating support from the public and private sectors to create a safe, comfortable, pleasant and healthy eco-metropolis. 3 commission conventions and 3 awareness campaigns were held in 2013 to formulate general, integrated and quantified flood control objectives, thus enhancing flood-prevention programs and developing an effective flood control initiative and creating a comprehensive, robust damage-control structure for promoting a full-scale flood control system.

(2) Flood Control EngineeringIn keeping with the plan for Flood Control

Engineering in Taipei by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taipei’s overall flood control program is primarily characterized by embankment construction along rivers, complemented by watercourse dredging and river management. The city’s embankment construction in the planning stage is measured at 131,231 meters in length. The embankment already requiring protection in 2013 totaled 109,141 meters. Construction of the stretch between Wanfang Interchange on National Highway No. 3 and the Taipei Metro Bridge in Muzha is measured at 500 meters, started in 2013 and is scheduled for completion in February 2014. The length pending construction for the Zhoumei embankment along the Keelung River is around 1,500 meters. The project will complement the completion of the Beitou-Shilin Technology Park Development Project.

Approx ima te l y 5 ,268 me te rs o f t he project along the Guandu Embankment await completion. Embankment facilities will be built along this stretch after the Overall Guandu Plain Development Project is reviewed and approved. The stretch between Fuxing Bridge in Shuangxi and Jiannan Bridge is measured at 7,210 meters.

Quality River System Dredging and ManagementPart2

Comprehensive Flood Control Committee General Assembly Stage Gauge (Monitoring) Station

A newly-built embankment to the right bank of Jingmei River

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Improvement is prioritized for those parts of the river with a highly inadequate flood prevention height. Planning discussions are expected to be completed in 2014.

(3) Storm Sewer ConstructionThe total length of the City’s Storm Sewer

Construction, including the main and branch drainage lines, is 540 kilometers long. By the end of 2013, about 522 kilometers had been completed; the completion rate was 96.70%. In the same year, 8 construction projects, including the New Construction of Yanggang 3 Flood Regulating Pool project, were conducted to significantly strengthen Taipei’s water draining capacities and improve city cleanliness. To reinforce water-level monitoring stations at the rainwater sewer system, Taipei completed the installation of 159 stage gauge (monitoring) stations, 1 discharge gauge station, and 5 closed-circuit television stations for data monitoring and analysis in 2013 to effectively monitor water levels.

(4) Pumping Station ConstructionThere are a total of 65 official pumping

stations and 21 provisional pumping stations operating in Taipei. Altogether, 409 sets of water pumps are installed around the city, with a total pumping capacity of 2,114 cubic meters per second. To reinforce flood control and drainage capacities, in 2013, water pumping sets in Zhongshan and Beihsian were renovated, and construction of the Wenlin Pumping Station was completed. Also, as part of the Beitou-Shilin Technology Park Project, construction (expansion) projects continued in Zhoumei. The renovation of pumping sets in Zhishan, Fude, and Jingzhou continued in 2013. The Public Infrastructure Department also conducted noise control and environmental improvement engineering to enhance the lifestyle quality of nearby residents.

(5) Promoting the Automation of Pumping Stations

To better address water drainage needs in

the urban area and consequently, the growing number of pumping stations and to address the challenge in manpower mobilization for pumping stations, efforts were underway to automate the operation and management of pumping stations, and optimize the functions of pumping sets. This was to ensure centralized management and distance monitoring for sets in different districts, thereby boosting pumping station operating efficiency, management maintenance, strengthen response and command, and lowering the need for manpower. Automatic Control Systems at the Hydraulic Engineering Office under the Public Infrastructure Department are divided into two units: General One and General Two Management Centers. 6 districts will be designated for this project accordingly. Among them, the Facility Optimization for Water Pumping Station in District One of the Automatic Control Systems was completed in September 2013 and the Automatic Control Systems Installation at the General One Management Center for Water Pumping Stations in Districts 2 and 3” are ongoing and are expected to be completed in January 2015.

2. Preferred Riverside Constructions(1) The Construction of

Riverside BikewaysThere are currently 6 riverside bikeways

completed in Taipei, namely the Tamsui River, Xindian River, Jingmei River, Shuang River, and Keelung River right and left paths. The routes form a complete and continuous network, with an overall length of 112 kilometers.

(2) Riverside Parks The Hydraulic Engineering Office, Public

Works Department, Taipei City Government has set up six themed riverside parks in total: Shezi Island Riverside Park features wetlands and guided ecological tours; Sheliu Wetland was completed in November 2012 and is about 16,000 square meters in area; Dajia Riverside Park, which focuses on Waterfront Spaces, was completed in June 2013; and the romantic

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Rainbow Bridge Riverside Park was completed in August 2013. The other themed parks have yet to be planned and construction will begin in 2014. The Hydraulic Engineering Office has also planned 6 sea-of-flowers projects. The project at the Dajia Riverside Park was re-planned in 2013 to encompass a total of 8,000 square meters in area. Those at Rainbow, Guting, Yanping, Heshuang 21, and Machangding Riverside Park, on the other hand, combine to cover approximately 20,000 square meters. All the riverside seas of flowers are planned as a whole and will be presented as landscape areas meant to not only add to the views of the riverside parks but also to present a brand new visual feast for the people of Taipei.

3. Sanitary Sewer Constructions(1) Continued Pipeline Construction

for Sewerage Systems By the end of 2013, construction completion

rat ios of the sewerage system’s pr imary main pipes, secondary main pipes, and the branch pipel ine network were 100%, 97.13% and 87.04%, respectively; a total of 786,116 households in Taipei had sanitary sewer connections; the projected users’ pipe

connection rates reached 100%; and the pipe connection rates of addressed households reached 72.27%, registering a growth of 1.9% compared with 70.37% of 2012. See Figure 1.

(2) Continued Sanitary Sewer Connections for Major Tap Water Users

By the end of 2013, the number of public and private schools in Taipei totaled 324, of which 272 have been properly connected with sanitary sewer services. The number of public and retail markets totaled 54, with 48 properly connected. Also, there are a total of 39 luxury hotels in Taipei, with 36 having been connected. The number of central agencies in Taipei is 52 and 49 have been connected. The number of Taipei Metro stops and facilities is 84 and 75 have been connected. The number of communities of more than 50 residences is 172 and 97 have been connected.

(3) There are a Total of 35 Sewage Interception Stations Dotted across the Tamsui River Basin

There are a total of 35 wastewater interception stations dotted across the Tamsui River Basin.

Sea of flowers at Guting Riverside Park

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Among these, 12 are located in Taipei, 22 in New Taipei City, and 1 in Keelung City. Except for the Nanzigou Interception Station, which is operated by the New Taipei City Government, the other 34 stations are consistently under the operation and management of the Taipei City Government. They can effectively intercept the sewage and drained after it is processed by the sewage treatment plants.

(4) The Construction of On-Site Treatment Facilities and Operation Status

Taipei has installed two aerated gravel contact oxidation purification facilities in Nanhu and Chengmei along the Keelung River; two other such facilities were set up in Zhongxiao and Guiyang along the Tamsui River and they can effectively improve river water quality.

(5) Back Alley BeautificationTaipei incorporated a beautification project

as part of wastewater sewage connection construction. For households in areas that underwent user pipe connection construction and repairs, back alleys wider than 2 meters were

refurbished. A total of 1,054 back alleys were given a makeover by the end of 2013, registering an increase of 186 newly beautified back alleys, compared with 868 in 2012. This significantly improved the originally undesirable environment.

(6) Fortifying Sewage Systems in the Taipei Area

The Taipei City Government continues its commission of sewage system management and operation. Taipei has steadily operated and managed the Neihu Sewage Treatment Plant, the Dihua Sewage Treatment Plant, and the Bali Sewage Treatment Plant currently commissioned to Taipei for servicing. The total 1.97 million cubic meters per day wastewater treatment capacity is deployed and managed in a manner that optimizes interception. The overall mean treatment volume of the 3 plants combined in 2013 was more than 1,760,000 cubic meters per day. In addition, treatment plants, parks, and sports facilities are planned to be utilized by nearby residents and tourists and accomplish the purpose of sufficient utilization of space and beautification of the environment.

■ Planned Sewer Connection Rate

■ Household Sewer Connection Rate

Figure 1 Annual Growth Rates of Household Sewer Connections in Taipei City over the Years

Connection Rate (%)

Year102939291 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

100

80

60

40

20

0101

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1. Park and Green Areas per Capita in TaipeiAt present, a total of 1,068 plots of land

(including riverside parks and 39 other sites) covering 1,984 hectares have been successfully designated for parks, greening areas, plazas, and children’s playgrounds by Taipei’s urban planning authorit ies. By 2013, 843 parks (including 44 partially constructed parks) and green areas had been developed, totaling 1,369 hectares. In other words, 5.1 square meters of green area are available to per Taipei citizen.

2. Park Construction (Expansion) and Renewal The most important projects in 2013 included

the expansion of Beitou Park No. 2, construction of Wenshan (Muzha) Park No. 87 and Beitou Park No. 234, expansion of Wenjing Park No. 21, renewal of Fuxing Park, renewal of Shipai Park, environment overhaul of Dahu Park, and renewals of Yangmingshan Qianshan Park, Liugongzhen Park, and Mingshui Park.

3. Road Greening and Beautification(1) Green Embellishments

for Streets and Roadways throughout the City

There are 90,371 street trees in Taipei. A budget of NT$91,000,000 was appropriated for reinforced beautification of roads and green spaces in 2013, which contributed to an area of beautification exceeding 130,000 square meters (including spontaneous gardening), including a total of 984 street trees, 209,522 bushes, lawns totaling 4,632 square meters, and 37,669 flowering potted plants.

(2) Adoption ProgramsThe City Government encourages private

organizations and individuals to adopt green areas, plazas, traffic islands, sidewalk trees, and parks over one hectare in size. 334 such areas were adopted in 2013, totaling 327,090 square meters.

4. Flower Shows and Festivals (1) The Taipei Camellia Show

The 2013 Taipei Camellia Show – Natural Camell ia Countenance was held between January 25 and February 3, 2013 to amaze visitors with the natural beauty of camellia and the magnificent views of camellia and cherry blossoms in early spring. Around 42,500 people visited the show.

(2) Yangmingshan Flower FestivalThe 2013 Yangmingshan Flower Festival –

Flora Is Coming was held between February 12

A Colorful City GardenPart3

Visitors appreciating flowers at the greenhouse landscape exhibit

Blooming Yoshino Cherry Blossoms

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and March 17, 2013 to mark a blessed beginning of a new year and to pray for the best of luck in the Lunar New Year. Approximately 1,136,000 tourists visited the festival.

(3) The Chrysanthemum Show at the Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence

The 2013 C.K.S. Shil in Residence with Greatest Chrysanthemum Show was held between November 17 and December 1, 2013, with 12 carefully decorated major exhibits to present diversified Chinese and western styles. Around 430,000 visitors went to the show.

(4) The Taipei Flower Show The 2014 Taipei Flower Show - Flowers

Show in a Magical Password was held between December 14, 2013 and January 8, 2014 at the Yuanshan Park Area and Fine Art Park Area of the Taipei International Flora Exposition and 12 neighborhood parks in Taipei. Visitors were guided through a beautiful and imaginary world of flowers with “magic”.

5. Streetlight Construction and Maintenance

(1) Streetlight Addition ProgramBased on the budget available for 2013,

2,363 streetlights were designed and 1,415 were installed.

(2) Streetlight Power Source Box Integrated Rods

Among the existing 10,151 power source boxes, rod integration was completed for 96 of them in 2013. A total of 4,744 have been completed so far.

(3) Carbon Reduction and Energy-Saving LED Streetlights

There are a total of 151,248 streetlights and park lights in Taipei. Among them, 45,000 had been replaced by LED lights as of 2013, which saves 29,560,000 kWh of electricity and NT$49,050,000 worth of electricity bills each year and reduces carbon emissions by 18,560,000 kilograms.

The must-visit floral bell

Cute chrysanthemum Yuan Zai The King of MagicSporadic improvement and facility maintenance outcomes at rivers and gutters

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6. Soil and Water Conservation for Disaster Reduction

(1) Potential Debris Flow TorrentTo prevent floods and disasters, potential

debris flow torrent and facility maintenance projects were embarked upon to ref lect the existing natural ecology in the field. All construction had been completed by September 12, 2103. They are part of the local landscape and exercise the function of flood prevention, while at the same time conserving the natural ecology.

(2) Resuscitating Unique Streams to be New Recreational Choices in Taipei

To reinforce river soil and water conserving construct ions and faci l i t ies in 119 water catchments in the Taipei area, improvement and facility maintenance projects for soil and water conserving rivers were initiated. These projects will help to protect the public’s lives and property.

7. Profit-Oriented Small and Beautiful Projects

(1) Unique Mountain-Climbing TrailsIn order to provide the public with a better-

quality and healthier life, the Geotechnical Engineer ing Off ice, Taipei Publ ic Works Department has been proactively enforcing its mountain-friendly policies by improving the green spaces available for people to take a rest along 130 mountain-climbing trails totaling around 101 kilometers in length in Taipei. Inspired by the notion of “one trail one characteristic” and placing the emphasis on their diversified natural ecology, humanity, and historical characteristics, the trail along Green Lake in Neihu District and the circular trail around Camphor Lake were completed in 2013.

(2) Yuanshan Scenic Area - "Three Great and Ten Beautiful Aspects – Ten Landscapes at Yuanshan

The Taipei City Government spent three years planning and restoring the Yuanshan Scenic Area. Featuring 3 great and 10 beautiful aspects – 10 landscapes at Yuanshan, 10 scenic spots were built. Connected by hiking trails, the 10 scenic spots, both together and separately, form the characteristics of the scenic area and convey the meaning of the Chinese character of “Yuan”, that is, a perfect 10. The 10 unique spots offer residents in the neighborhood places to go for sports, leisure, and recreation and are integrated into the natural environment. The scenic area was honored with the Quality Award in Environment Restoration and Conservation of the 2013 National Award for Excellence in Construction.

(3) Constructing a Quality Slopeland Agricultural Environment

To increase the number of areas the public can visit for recreation and entertainment, 8 community workshops were held to obtain input from residents on how to improve the quality of the environment for agriculture on hilly land. Design and improvements were later done to reflect the local natural environment, humanity, and industrial backgrounds:A. Midway water ditches at Xishan in Shilin

District were restored to provide irrigation Image at the entrance to the Green Lake trail in Neihu District

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1. Water Supply Facilities(1) Providing Water Supply to the

Beitou-Shilin Technology Park and Tamhai New Town in New Taipei City and Enhancing Shilin and Beitou Water Deployment

The Datong-Guandu Line transmission mains were built in the Shilin and Beitou areas to bring the daily transmitted water volume in Shilin and Beitou areas to 400,000 tons and to form a dual-line water supply system with the existing water mains

that makes mutual support possible. Sections 1 (from Datong Boosting Station to Yumen Street) and 2 (from Yumen Street to underneath Shuanxi Bridge) were completed in 2005 and 2012, respectively. Shilin District is currently capable of dual-system backup capacity. Construction of Section 3 (from the mouth of Shuang River to Dadu Water Distribution Tank) began in August 2012 and is expected to be completed in 2016. This will both realize the backup system by dual-line water supply and satisfy the water demand in newly developed areas such as the Beitou-Shilin Technology Park and Tamhai New Town in New Taipei City. Additionally, in keeping with the Taipei City Government’s disaster-prevention program, an emergency life support water supply station has been reserved by the Shezi Riverside baseball field

Robust and Comprehensive Public Facilities

Part4

Shielding of water pipes along the Guandu Line

water and serve as a hiking trail for local people.

B. Cyclist rest areas were built so that cyclists can continue their adventures to Xishan, Pingdeng, and Jingshan Communities and feel the different auras in these agricultural villages.

C. Hushan air-raid shelter in Beitou District was restored with an air of ancient tranquility created by the restored external green square and shaded boulevard and a combination of the history of the two Chiangs (Chiang Kai-Shek and Chiang Ching-Kuo).

D. Circuit inspections and monitoring efforts at the Baishi Lake area and the suspension bridge in Neihu District were continued in order to ensure safety of the recreational areas.

(4) Improving Slope Safety of Hillside Residential Areas

To ensure the safety of residents who live on sloping land, gutters, dangerous trees, and related facilities by their houses are serviced and soil and water conservation facilities in the surroundings of houses on hilly land are routinely maintained to enable sustainable natural environmental remediation.

Improving the safety of residential slopes on hilly land

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and the flood plain on the left bank under Chengde Bridge. These units can be used to provide emergency water supplies during disasters.

(2) The Zhitan Purification Plant Expanded to Improve Purification Redundancy Rate

The construction of the sixth water purification facility at the Zhitan Purification Plant will include a pre-treatment unit capable of processing 700,000 cubic meters of water per day, a rapid treatment unit, a 50,000-ton clean water cistern, and other necessary facilities. The project began in May 2009 and was completed in September 2013. The maximum water volume it can supply is 1,005,000 tons of clean water daily. It helps improve water use security and stability in Northern Taiwan and boosts the operating flexibility of the Zhitan Purification Plant.

(3) Establishing a Dual-System Water Supply in Zhonghe, Yonghe, and Xindian Districts and Supporting Water Use for the Second Stage of the Ban-Xing Plan

The water transmission pipeline along Anhua Xindian Line includes the transmission pipeline construction and extension projects. The transmission pipeline construction project along Anhua Xindian Line was completed in October 2012, while the extension project is still ongoing and is scheduled for completion in 2014. Once the whole line is completed, the Anhua boosting station will replace the Zhonghe boosting station in supplying water for the Xindian area in New Taipei City and will form a mutually supportive system with the Zhonghe boosting station. The dual-system water supply for Zhonghe, Yonghe, and Xindian Districts will be in place to support the water demand for the Ban-Xing plan second stage.

2. Hot Spring Resources Management(1) Implementing the Designated

Hot Spring Access Expropriation and Fund Use

The Taipei City Government established the

hot spring resource management fund to promote hot spring resource management. In 2013, 4 units, including the Taipei City Hot Spring Development Association, received subsidies to conduct research and development, such as hot spring resource conservation, management, and promotion of sustainable hot spring use. The collection and payment rates reached 100% for 5 consecutive years, which is unparalleled in Taiwan. The access fees collected for 2012 totaled NT$10,284,407 in 2013, as the collection and payment rate reached 99.91%.

(2) Assisting in the Establishment of Hot Spring Acquisition and Supply Businesses

As required for the Taipei City Hot Spring Management project, the Taipei City Hot Spring Development and Operating Permit Application Review Commission was established to assist in the establishment of hot spring acquisition and to supply businesses. The commission is in charge of issuing development permits for hot spring acquisitions and supplies, and reviewing hot spring operating permit applications. 16 hot spring development permits and 5 operation permits were issued by 2013.

(3) Setting up Hot Spring Foot Spa Pool Parks

Beitou Quanyuan Park is now equipped with a hot spring foot spa pool; over 400 visitors use it daily, registering a satisfaction rate of more than 97%. The park is now one of the most vital public leisure facilities in the locality. To address public expectations and promote the diversified utilization of hot springs, the Department of Economic Development has chosen two additional sites, Fuxing Park and Liuhuang Valley, for more hot spring foot spa pools. The basic design and detailed design

Hot spring foot spa pool at Beitou Quanyuan Park

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were completed in August and October, 2013, respectively. The projects were successfully contracted on November 18 and are scheduled for completion in April 2014.

(4) Taiwan’s First Hot Spring Crystals Product Line

The Department of Economic Development proactively supports the hot spring industry and leads Taiwan in investing in the diversified application of hot spring resources, and the registration of hot springs crystals in Beitou is an unprecedented example. In 2012, the Taipei City Government completed due registration process with the Intellectual Property Office of the Ministry of Economic Affairs for the Beitou Crystallization of Hot Springs Place of Origin Certification. In 2013, the Taipei City Government received sponsorship from the Local Industry Development Fund of the Ministry of Economic Affairs in 2013 to help develop the hot spring crystals industry. The three-phase over three-year development project includes establishment of the Hot Spring Floret Place of Production

Certification and the promotion and marketing of the city brand “I Love Taipei Hot Spring Flower”. In the same year, related business owners and associations in the hot spring area of Beitou were assisted in the research and development of local hot spring crystals products. The Press Conference on Diversified Application and Innovation of Hot Springs was held on November 26, 2013.

3. Natural Gas UtilitiesThe natural gas supply in Taipei comes

from 4 companies, namely Great Taipei Gas Corporation, Yangmingshan Gas Corporation Ltd., Shin-Hu Natural Gas Corporation Ltd., and Shin Shin Natural Gas Co. Ltd. These companies have their own responsible districts. As of 2013, they supplied 660,772 households altogether, with the gas volume amounting to 321,795,098 cubic meters, accounting for around 64% of all households. Each of the gas companies in the city has a central monitoring system in place to readily keep track of the status of each gas storage tank, gas pressure regulator station, and high-pressure pipeline gas supply, to ensure gas supply safety and gas transmission service quality. In their operation zones, they set up 32 gas supply blocks configured with

emergency containment valves and pipeline network connections to better prevent against disasters and facilitate service restoration. Regular disaster-prevention exercises are conducted on a yearly basis. The four gas companies also conduct routine, automated inspections and maintenance work on various gas storage, transmission, and distribution facilities besides periodical pipeline inspections and replacements. In 2013, 6,066 kilometers of pipelines were inspected, and 62 kilometers of the pipes was renewed, a replacement rate of 2.6%. Additionally, each gas company provides free, biennial household gas pipeline facility security checks. A total of 288,100 households received inspections in 2013, and the companies reinforced user safety education during security inspections to raise awareness about and prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

To ensure the safety of natural gas facilities and prevent disasters, the Department of Economic Development regularly invites public safety experts and professionals from fire control, Taipei City Labor Inspection Office, and those involved in security to form a natural gas public safety inspection task force that runs spot checks on pipeline layouts and maintenance at gas companies. Inspection results were generally satisfactory in 2013. The 4 gas companies have completed to undertake improvements in accordance with the suggestions of the inspectors and related agencies.

4.Power Service and Gas Station Safety ManagementThe Taiwan Power Company has 3 operating

centers in Taipei, servicing more than 1,160,000 households. An emergency repair hotline, “1911”, was set up to provide instant, speedy service in the event of a power cut. Citizens can call this hotline on any landline within the city, and the call will be automatically connected to that particular region’s repair unit for rapid service.

In order to strengthening gas station safety management, inspections are conducted continuously; 101 gas stations and 20 liquefied petroleum gas stations received inspections in 2013. The majority of these stations successfully passed the inspection, while those that failed were able to rectify their failings and make improvements by the given deadline.

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1. Public Housing Program Faced w i th t he cha l l enge posed by

skyrocketing housing prices in Taipei, it has become an important core goal for the Taipei City Government to safeguard its people’s housing rights. Taking into account development experience in other international cities and suggestions from experts and scholars, the Taipei City Government no longer builds houses for sale with regard to its housing policy. Instead, it has adopted a diversified housing policy featuring primarily rental assistance. In terms of the rental market, public housing for young people and ordinary citizens is promoted. Extensive housing allowances are provided to enhance the affordability for apartment housing. In addition, the rental service platform is in place to assist in matchmaking landlords and tenants with medium-to-low incomes, realizing the goal of providing tenants with suitable housing choices.

In the promotion of public housing, the mid-term goal is to have 4,808 public housing units completed, under construction, or being planned in Taipei as of 2014. At present, there are 4 public housing areas available at Dalongtong, Xingtian Temple Station, Dunhuang Station, and Wanlong Station. The rental of Jingwen public housing units has been available since November 2013 and contract signing and move-in processes are expected to start in 2014. A total of 223 units will be available for rent at all communities combined. As far as construction projects are concerned, the Ankang Social Housing Community in Wenshan District is being renovated and rebuilt in planned phases. This three-phase construction project is estimated to provide more than 3,000 housing units. Phase 1 includes Section 1 (Foundation D of the original Ankang Public Housing Community) and Section 2 (the original Ankang Market) of Singlong Public Housing. Section 1 is slated for completion in June 2015 and will be able to accommodate 272 units, while Section 2 is expected to be completed in February 2017 to accommodate around 580 units. There are two additional new projects, Jiankang public housing in Songshan District and Qingnian public housing in Wanhua Distric to accommodate around 777 housing

units altogether. The Taipei City Government will continue

to build public housing units and optimize maintenance and management of the units by carefully selecting builders and outstanding architects to provide detailed design reflective of the geographical location and regional demand of the construction sites. Universal optimal residences qualified for green and intelligent buildings will be adequately planned taking advantage of the parties’ expertise. In terms of maintenance and management, private property management companies will be authorized to realize quality utilization, maintenance, and management services. In addition, the points deduction management system is available to guide tenants through contract terms and conditions and daily norms so that they can jointly maintain a tidy and clean public housing environment as well as a quality and tranquil life.

2. Enhancing Land / Property Use Efficiency

(1) Expropriation and Appropriation of Land

The Ta ipe i C i ty Government ac t ive ly processes land acquisition deals needed for public infrastructure. In 2013, a total of 6 private land expropriation deals were completed: the deals expropriated 51 plots of land from 745 households; their total area was measured at 7.7 hectares, with compensation totaling NT$3,380,674,985. The City Government also completed 66 cases of public land appropriation and 235 plots, covering an area of 37.3 hectares, in hopes of facilitating public infrastructure implementations.

(2)Taipei Zone ExpropriationTo accelerate the completion of Taipei’s

urban planning blueprint, the City Government had undertaken 14 areas of zone expropriation totaling around 781.2 hectares by the end of 2013. The completion of this project availed 215.4 hectares of land to construction, and 565.8 hectares were allocated for public facility construction, such as roadways, parks, and

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schools. The City Government is currently working on zone expropriation projects covering the new community in Qiyan and Beitou-Shilin Technology Park, the total size of which is 106.9 hectares. Upon completion, 52.2 hectares of land will be available for construction projects, and 54.7 hectares will be allotted for construction of public facilities. The completion of the redevelopment is expected to effectively boost land utilization, create land benefits, improve cityscapes, and normalize overall urban development.

(3)Urban Land Consolidation The Taipei City Government has been

promoting urban land consolidation for over 40 years. The land is allocated for public facilities that need to be built in the city, and typical projects also bear witness to the development history of various major construction projects in Taipei, such as the Taipei 101 skyscraper, Nangang Business Park, Taipei Neihu Technology Park, National Taiwan Science Education Center, Songshan Minsheng Community, Shilin Central Community, and Songshan Station. These projects are substantial accomplishments in urban land consolidation. By the end of 2013, urban land consolidation had been completed for 39 blocks, totaling an area of 920.1 hectares and offering around 544.4 hectares for building purposes. The land requi red for publ ic infrastructure such as roadways, parks, and schools, totaling around 375.7 hectares, was also acquired. Urban land consolidation for a number of publicly operated, city-owned plots, including Wenshan District Phase 1, Nangang District Phase 3, and Neihu District Phase 9, are actively promoted. The Taipei City Government also proactively encourages land owners to organize their own consolidation associations and engage in urban land consolidation as part of the incentive for civil society to take part in urban construction, which not only helps bring in abundant private capital and manpower but also contributes to the establishment of regional identity as a result of spontaneous public involvement to promote local construction, deve lopment , and p rosper i t y. In 2013 , assistance continued for spontaneous urban land consolidation at the Nangang section in Nangang District, Yucheng in Nangang District, Huaisheng in Daan District, Residential Area 6-6 in Shilin District, Shitan Borough in Neihu District,

and Residential Area 12 in Beitou.

ConclusionTo realize the public’s desire for and pursuit

of advancement and to offer quality comfortable roadway services for enhanced transportation convenience, the Taipei City Government has proactively invested in various public infrastructure, such as the commissioning of Shezi Bridge, the renewal of main roadway surfaces, and the improvement of sidewalk pavements. New parks and green spaces, enhanced greenery and beautification in the surroundings of roadways have contributed to ove ra l l g reen ing and beau t i f i ca t i on accomplishments across the city. They help build a colorful garden city with landscapes that are pleasant and easy on the eyes. In addition, the City Government has demonstrated creativity and great ideas through various flower shows and festivals, such as the Yangmingshan Flower Festival, to attract a total of over a million visitors. With disaster prevention and reduction as the ultimate goal, efforts have been reinforced to improve and manage rivers, perfect rainwater sewers and sewage systems, improve hilly land and fortify soil and water conservation, promote comprehensive flood control, and enhance a variety of flood prevention and drainage constructions. All are meant to protect the citizens’ housing and employment benefits, while at the same time realizing sustainable management of beautiful natural landscapes. The riverside parks, riverside bikeways, and unique mountain-climbing trails restored in scenic areas are additional hydrophilic and mountain-friendly recreational facil it ies to diversify outdoor places that Taipei residents can take advantage of and help satisfy the public’s entertainment and educational needs. Public utilities such as water supply, natural gas, and power facilities, on the other hand, promote industrial development and drive urban prosperity, while public housing and green buildings help enhance housing quality and satisfy the public’s housing needs. The countless administrative accomplishments are consistently demonstrating the Taipei City Government’s commitment to public infrastructure. Let’s keep our eyes open for a transformed Taipei, which is currently undergoing changes to become an even more livable city.