The Cabinet is considering setting up a special zone for petrochemical companies in the southern city of Kaohsiung. This proposal came after a series of deadly gas explosions ripped through the city on July 31, killing 30 and injuring over 300 people.
There are media reports saying that the Cabinet is planning to relocate existing petrochemical factories in Kaohsiung to a place near the port to avoid setting up more underground pipelines in residential areas.
The Cabinet spokesperson said that Premier Jiang Yi-huah will discuss this issue with the economics ministry, but the priority now is to make sure that all petrochemical pipelines go through safety checks within three months. The premier said the petrochemical industry can create local jobs for Kaohsiung, and he has no intention of major policy changes that might cause financial difficulties for residents of the industrial city. But the premier has also said that while the city’s development is important, public safety must not be overlooked.
In response to the proposal, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu said Friday that it is necessary to hold discussions with residents before a decision is made on building a specialized petrochemical zone.