Economics minister Chang Chia-juch has said that it is more dangerous to transport petrochemical materials using tankers than it is to use underground pipelines.
Chang’s comments on Wednesday were in response to Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu’s decision to abandon three major underground pipelines that caused a series of explosions in the southern city on July 31. The mayor also opposes setting up new pipelines in the area.
"If the three pipelines cannot be restored, petrochemical companies hope that Kaohsiung City can find other appropriate routes to set up new underground pipelines," said Chang. "It would be very dangerous if we don’t use pipelines, and transport petrochemical materials using tankers instead. We advise against it. Petrochemical companies will hold discussions with the city government to figure out how to set up new pipelines in the future," he said.
Chang also said that current regulations governing the management of propylene should be amended to prevent such an explosion from happening again.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet said it has received the Kaohsiung City Government's request to help cover the cost of road reconstruction, estimated at NT$1.9 billion (about US$63 million). The Cabinet said although no specific amount has been set, the Cabinet will help cover the reconstruction costs.
President Ma Ying-jeou has also instructed the central and local governments to work together in helping the victims. He also called on every citizen to pray for the peace of Kaohsiung and Taiwan.
"Since the day of the Kaohsiung explosion, all Taiwanese people, no matter where they live, which ethnic group they come from, or which party they support, are worrying about Kaohsiung and praying for Kaohsiung," said Ma. "Everyone’s heart has been with Kaohsiung since the day of the explosions," he said.