TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taiwanese government announced on Sunday (Nov. 17) that relevant departments will continue to accelerate urban renewal efforts and improve residential safety through revised laws and policies. 

According to the National Land Management Agency (NLMA), the government will introduce new building regulations to strengthen structural resilience in response to climate change. Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) will collaborate with relevant departments to conduct land assessments and planning, per CNA. 

NLMA said authorities plan to turn abandoned schools and old public buildings into social housing. As of October, NLMA has plans to build 110,000 social housing units.

Additionally, the government will promote urban renewal to address the issue of aging houses.

Under a revision of Article 65 of the Urban Renewal Act, MOI has relaxed restrictions on building permit applications. More than 8,000 buildings nationwide are expected to benefit from the changes.

NLMA added the 921 earthquake raised concerns about the inadequate earthquake resistance of old buildings. The revised act includes provisions to enhance residential safety.