TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) announced Friday (Nov. 15) a plan to invest NT$10.6 billion over the next four years to improve water supply in areas lacking access to tap water. The initiative, approved by the National Development Council (國發會), aims to serve approximately 60,000 of the remaining 5% of households.
Premier Cho shared this development at the 57th Water Day Celebration (第57屆自來水節慶祝大會), joined by Economic Minister J. W. Kuo (郭智輝), Chairman Lee Jia-rung (李嘉榮) of the Chinese Taipei Water Works Association (CTWWA, 中華民國自來水協會), and Director-general Lai Chien-hsin (賴建信) of the Water Resources Agency(水利署).
Cho highlighted past efforts, stating Taiwan invested NT$19.1 billion over 22 years to increase tap water coverage to 95%. The current plan continues this progress, focusing on areas with inconvenient access to water. Cho claimed that the tap water system is an essential public infrastructure that must ensure all citizens can enjoy the progress of national infrastructure in a healthy and safe environment.
He stressed the importance of stable water supply management, including resource management, conservation, and technical assistance in essential utilities like water and electricity. Cho also underscored the CYWWA's 70-year legacy as a vital exchange platform. He noted its deep collaboration with Japan on technical standards and disaster prevention strategies, facilitating mutual development.
