TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Cabinet on Thursday approved an NT$27 billion (US$868 million) special budget to rebuild areas hit by the Mataian Creek barrier lake overflow.
CNA said the budget will cover repairs along Mataian Creek and the Hualien River system. It also funds work on the damaged Mataian Creek Bridge, new monitoring gear, sediment-control projects, and temporary housing for displaced families.
Lawmakers earlier passed a law setting aside up to NT$30 billion for the rebuild, and the Cabinet is now sending the NT$27 billion proposal to the Legislature for review. Officials said another NT$3 billion will be held in reserve for future needs.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs will receive NT$9.1 billion, the largest share, to carry out river work and repair damaged power and water systems. It will also handle fee waivers for affected households and interest subsidies for local businesses.
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Environment together will control more than NT$4 billion to rebuild roads and bridges, help people register destroyed vehicles, and clear mixed debris left by the floods. These agencies will also support farmers as they restart production.
The Ministry of the Interior will receive NT$2.8 billion to clear sewers, patch roads, and provide recovery payments to families. It will also fund temporary housing and handle emergency repairs on public facilities.
The Cabinet will keep NT$600 million for Indigenous community loans, interest support, and public-works coordination. The Ministry of Health and Welfare will take NT$100 million to help hospitals rebuild damaged buildings and replace broken medical equipment, while NT$1.5 billion is set aside as a reserve fund.
