TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taipei City government said that as of Monday (Sept. 11) morning, 38 households have signed up to return to their homes in Dazhi District after being evacuated due to safety concerns following the partial collapse of residential buildings last Thursday.
The apartment buildings on Dazhi St. tilted and subsided due to a nearby construction site by Kee Tai Properties, which had not completed foundation work. Following the incident, the city government evacuated 462 people from 236 households.
After a five-day period, 38 households have signed up to return home, following structural inspections that deemed their apartments safe, according to Wang Yu-fen, commissioner of Taipei City's Department of Urban Development.
Wang reassured residents that, excluding the severely damaged buildings, there are no safety concerns regarding the structural integrity of the remaining ones.
She cited thorough inspections carried out by three major engineering associations, including the Taipei Structural Engineers Association, which confirmed their safety for habitation.
Despite these assurances, concerns about the buildings' safety persist among residents. As a response, the government plans to convene a meeting shortly to explain the inspection results and keep residents informed, according to Wang.
Additionally, Wang outlined three housing subsidy options for the 25 households whose houses suffered severe damage: intermediate housing in Nangang, rent subsidies, and hotel stays.
Wang stated that the city government has prepared 25 furnished houses in Nangang, with the expectation that people can move in by Sept. 22.
Hotel stays remain an option for those who prefer to reside closer to Dazhi. As for those seeking alternative rental housing, the government will subsidize NT＄1600 per 3.3 square meters.
