The China Post
Date: June 27, 2016
By: CNA
TAIPEI, Taiwan — The Ministry of Culture will provide a subsidy of NT$180 million (US$5.54
A Japanese colonial-era building is seen in this photo taken in Taitung on Sunday, June 26. (CNA)
million) for the preservation and renovation of a complex of 18 Japanese colonial-era buildings in Taitung, southeastern Taiwan, a legislator said Sunday.
The residential community in downtown Taitung was built to be high-end dorms for senior Japanese officials in the 1930s, but due to lack of maintenance and management over the past few years, the houses are now in poor condition, according to Legislator Liu Chao- hao (劉櫂豪), a Taitung native.
The renovation work therefore requires a great deal of funding and manpower, Liu said, adding that he has sought the funds under a Culture Ministry plan to renew historic sites through regional integration and revitalization.
Noting that a city’s history is usually part of its charm, Liu questioned whether it is wise that some regions have torn down buildings of great historic significance for the sake of economic development. He added that culture is an important part of soft power and competitiveness. [FULL STORY]