0403 Earthquake: Lianhua Building Reinforcement Begins; NCREE States Four Hualien Communities Enter Construction Phase

Two years after the devastating April 3rd earthquake, the Lianhua Building, a residential complex in Hualien City housing 120 units, has finally begun its seismic reinforcement project. Classified as a yellow-tag building, indicating structural concerns, the building's structural integrity has been assessed as repairable, paving the way for this crucial construction phase.

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The past two years can be described as a long-distance race and obstacle course, the time has been too long and everyone's nerves have been very tense, all disaster victims have had a very hard time.

The commencement ceremony for the reinforcement work at the 'Hualien Art Plaza Building,' commonly known as Lianhua Building, was attended by local officials and community members, including a blessing from local kindergarten children. The project, slated for completion by July 13th next year, involves strengthening columns and walls, with an estimated cost of NT$78 million. The National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering (NCREE) is subsidizing NT$60 million, leaving residents to cover the remaining costs, amounting to approximately NT$145,000 per household after negotiation with the contractor.

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I think the central government has made great progress, and I feel they are working closely with the local government to solve problems, which makes the residents very happy.

Building committee chairperson Li Hui-lan described the past two years as a "long-distance race and obstacle course," expressing relief and gratitude for the central government's cooperation in resolving the issue. However, she also highlighted the substantial financial burden of future urban renewal efforts, which require an additional NT$65 million. With subsidies covering only half the cost, residents face another NT$400,000 per household, prompting a plea for increased government support to alleviate the disaster victims' financial strain. Residents like Ms. Chang, a 20-year resident, expressed her reluctance to leave the familiar neighborhood despite the damage, highlighting the emotional and practical ties to their homes.

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Although the exterior walls may look terrifying with tiles falling off, buildings that reach the stage of seismic reinforcement are definitely those with minor internal damage that can be made safe through reinforcement.