Relief budget of NT$60 billion for Typhoon Danas approved by the legislature

Taiwan's Cabinet Approves NT$60 Billion Special Budget for Typhoon Danas Recovery

After intense cross-party negotiations, the Taiwanese Cabinet has approved a special budget of NT$60 billion for the reconstruction work following Typhoon Danas and the subsequent heavy rains that affected southern Taiwan last month. The budget, which was initially proposed at NT$56 billion, was raised to NT$60 billion and passed on August 21.

The majority of the funds, approximately NT$50.1 billion, will be allocated to economic development. The Ministry of Economic Affairs will receive NT$18.7 billion, while the Ministry of Agriculture will receive the highest percentage of the budget at NT$20.3 billion.

In addition, NT$4.6 billion will be allocated to the Council of Indigenous Peoples, and NT$1.6 billion will be set aside for community development and environmental protection, with an additional NT$700 million earmarked for education, science, and culture. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications will receive NT$6.9 billion, and the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture, the reserve fund, the National Communications Commission (NCC), and the Executive Yuan's Public Construction Commission will share the remaining budget.

Three motions to freeze aspects of the budget were passed, proposed by the Taiwan People's Party (TPP). One item under the National Communications Commission was conditionally frozen at 30 percent, and two items under the Ministry of Economic Affairs' electricity budget were frozen at 10 percent.

The funds for this special budget will be raised through debt issuance. NT$3 billion will be allocated for reserve funds, and NT$4.6 billion will be allocated for general administrative costs.

The applicant for the approval of the special budget was Premier Su Tseng-chang. The Legislative Yuan passed the NT$60-billion special budget on August 21, following a joint review of five legislative committees, including the Finance Committee, which was finalized this morning.

The third reading of the budget was completed yesterday, marking the final stage in the approval process. The NT$60 billion budget will now be used to aid in the recovery and rebuilding efforts in the areas affected by Typhoon Danas and the heavy rains.