News

  Magistrate Lin Ming-chen of Nantou County went to Chishui area in Mingjian Township on January 15 to further understand the issues of irrigation in that area. Guided by local farmers, Magistrate Lin inspected the distribution of the ducts in the irrigation system closely. He also sponsored a briefing at Chishui Activities Center to hear the farmers’ comments and suggestions. After the briefing, Magistrate Lin demanded that the local Department of Public Works propose a plan for the improvement of the irrigation system, the layout of the ducts, and operation management within two weeks. With the successful proposal, he was eager to fight for the funds from the Water Resource Agency of the Central Government for the construction of the irrigation facilities.

  In the briefing, many folks expressed thanks to Magistrate Lin for his prompt action and enthusiasm. In addition to demanding for the construction of the irrigation ducts among the fields to facilitate water supply, the farmers also requested the improvement of water supply in the Xia Zhuwei area. To answer the people’s call, Magistrate Lin expressed that other than improving water circulators to enhance water pressure, he also ordered the Department of Public Works to sketch an improvement plan for the layout of ducts among the fields. In addition, he also suggested increasing the number of reservoirs and related water supply facilities by requesting more budgets from the Water Resource Agency of the Central Government. Finally, he expected the irrigation plan could help supply water normally at Baguashan areas to satisfy famers’ demand of water for irrigation.

  Furthermore, Chen Wei-hua, the Chair of Community Association also suggested contacting the businesses that had ceased temporarily to negotiate with them regarding the leasing or purchasing their private pipes. Magistrate Lin agreed with his suggestions and expected the District Office to negotiate with the business as the farmers’ representative. Then the County Government would rent or buy their pipes so that they did not have to waste extra money to lay new pipelines. Making the best use of current pipelines was the most effective and economical way of solving the water shortage problem.

  Accompanied by Chien Yu-min, the Director of the Department of Public Works, Magistrate Lin arrived at the fields around P18 reservoir at Jingtou Lane, Chishui to understand the problem better. Other officials, including Mayor Chen Wen-te of Mingjian Township, Deputy Director Chen Kuang-cheng of Township Representative Council, Village Chief Chen Sung-ming, and Li Chi-hsiang, Department Head of Central Region Water Resources Office, and other officials from the Water Resources Agency also participated in the inspection trip.

  Due to the sudden cease of operation of private water suppliers in 2011 at Mingjian area, the County Government listed the construction of irrigation system at Chishui area in phase 1 of Baguashan Irrigation Project. It was scheduled to be completed by the end of 2013 and the County Government would take over its management from 2014. During this period, the County Government endeavored to overcome various difficulties to provide ample water supply for the irrigation of the fields.