Taiwan's illegal structure

Katherine Wei

The China Post

Publication Date : 01-01-2015

Following new Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je's war against illegally constructed housing, the city's Construction Management Office released the positive results of former mayor Hau Lung-bin's term in office: around 80 per cent of illegal structures reported have been torn down.

Barely a week in office, Ko began his own offensive against illegal structures in Taipei after two young girls were burned to death in the extra stories their father built illegally on top of their building.

After inspecting the burned house thoroughly, Ko announced on Tuesday an ultimatum for 226 illegal rooftop additions, saying that the government will be removing the structures if the owners do not do so by March 20.

The owners and tenants' rental issues are included in the deadline as well, and if the problems are unable to be straightened before the appointed day, "then we will tear them down directly, no arguments," said Ko.

According to the Taipei City Construction Management Office, a total of 4,268 illegal structures have been torn down or improved by their owners among the 5,114 reported cases during Hau's last year in office.

An official in the Construction Management Office stated yesterday that the office was only allowed a budget of 8 million new Taiwan dollar (US$252,700) for illegal structure reporting and removal, and there were only 84 people reporting back to the office.

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Taiwan's illegal structure