Neihu Disaster Relief Misdisbursement of Condolence Money, Chiang Wan-an: Will Verify and Compare According to Regulations

(Central News Agency, reporter Chen Yu-ting, Taipei, July 1) Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an recently visited Neihu District for disaster inspection and mistakenly issued condolence money to a fourth-floor resident, which was then collected back by the district office. This incident has sparked discussion. Chiang Wan-an stated today that he will issue funds according to regulations, verify and compare, and do his utmost to assist with post-disaster recovery.

Heavy rainfall in Taipei on the 25th caused multiple waterlogging incidents in Neihu District. The following day, Chiang Wan-an went to inspect the post-disaster recovery situation and distributed condolence money to residents along the way. It was later discovered that one recipient was a fourth-floor resident, not among the intended recipients, and the district office personally visited to collect the money back.

Media reports quoted the resident who received and then had to return the condolence money as saying that she had informed Chiang Wan-an at the time that she lived on an upper floor, but he still gave her the money. Two days later, they came to collect it back, which she found inexplicable and amusing.

Regarding the incident, Chiang Wan-an did not elaborate when he was interviewed by the media before visiting the Futai Community in Xinyi District today. He only stated that the first priority was to provide immediate comfort to help the affected residents calm down. He emphasized that the district office has completed the registration and will issue funds, verify, and compare according to regulations and procedures, and do his utmost to assist with post-disaster recovery.

As for whether the subsidy for disaster victims would be increased, Chiang Wan-an said that in addition to the NT$10,000 condolence money, a subsidy of up to NT$20,000 will be provided based on the extent of the disaster damage. Combined with central government subsidies for appliance damage, the maximum amount that can currently be received is NT$60,000. He has asked the Social Welfare Department, Civil Affairs Department, and other units to conduct a comprehensive review and continue to gather local opinions on whether to increase the amount further. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150701

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