Matan'an Dam Disaster Recovery Progress Inspected Ahead of Anniversary

One year after the Matan'an stream dam disaster, Administrative Executive Minister Chen Chin-te returned to the affected area in Guangfu Township to inspect recovery efforts. The focus of his visit included the progress of agricultural land restoration and the construction of the new backwater dike in Tōfu Village. Chen Chin-te acknowledged the Ministry of Agriculture's efforts, noting that crop yields and quality in demonstration fields have nearly returned to pre-disaster levels.

The minister observed the planting of green manure crops and the use of agricultural machinery, such as rotary tillers and fertilizer spreaders, to improve soil conditions and reduce farmers' workloads. Hualien District Agricultural Research and Extension Station Director Yang Ta-chi explained that clearing debris from fields was the most arduous task. Approximately 180 hectares of arable land are being addressed, with lighter damage expected to be completed by year-end and moderate damage by October next year.

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The backwater dike project will protect the farmland of Tōfu Village, the lives and property of over 80 households and more than 300 residents, and strengthen the region's overall flood resilience.

Regarding flood control infrastructure, Chen Chin-te inspected the ongoing construction of four backwater dikes along the Luomo, Lita, Lihashan, and Matan'an streams. While the Luomo and Lita stream dikes are slightly ahead of schedule, the Lihashan and Matan'an stream dikes are experiencing minor delays. Chen emphasized the importance of these dikes in protecting farmland and the lives and property of over 80 households and 300 residents in Tōfu Village, urging the Hualien County government to expedite the Matan'an stream dike construction to be completed by December.

Chen highlighted that post-disaster recovery includes not only rebuilding but also new public infrastructure like sewage systems, water resource recycling centers, and high-standard dikes. These additions aim to enhance flood resilience and overall disaster prevention capabilities for the region.

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We must expedite the construction of the Matan'an stream backwater dike to be completed before December.