Taiwan launches plan to reinforce older buildings

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) announced on Thursday (Feb. 6) a new initiative aimed at extending the lifespan of older residential buildings across Taiwan.

The program, which focuses on seismic reinforcement, plans to use public funds to cover the costs, ensuring that residents, many of whom are elderly, can remain in their homes while renovations occur.

The Ministry of the Interior (MOI, 內政部) explained that the plan targets apartment complexes over 30 years old, ranging from four to six stories, which have passed an initial safety assessment. It offers financial support for updating indoor and outdoor pipelines and installing accessibility facilities.

Liu revealed that Taiwan has about 5 million buildings over 30 years old, with Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan accounting for more than half of the total.

Liu emphasized that the program will allow homeowners to renovate in place through subsidies, volume incentives, or relaxed financing assistance. She stated that if initial assessments indicate a need for seismic reinforcement, the ministry will cover the costs with public funds, sparing residents from any financial burden. The details of this plan are still under discussion.

The ministry also plans to amend laws to provide a legal framework for the program and ensure the safety of residents' homes.