Groundbreaking for the Xiaying Market reconstruction in Tainan, Mayor Lai Ching-te hopes it will boost prosperity

The original Xiaying Market had fallen into disrepair and was no longer usable. With the active efforts of the Tainan City Government, the Xiaying Shangdi Temple management committee, and local parties, a consensus on reconstruction was reached, and a groundbreaking ceremony was held on the 10th. Mayor Lai Ching-te personally presided over the ceremony, expressing hope that after the new market reconstruction is completed, it will provide local residents with a comfortable and hygienic shopping environment, boost tourist and consumer traffic, beautify the cityscape, and drive local prosperity.

Mayor Lai Ching-te said that the old Xiaying Market was a long-standing problem. Since he took office, he had received local suggestions for reconstruction, but because the land and building property rights belonged to the temple, the city government could not intervene. However, as local representatives continuously pushed for it and reflected the voices of the people, the Tainan City Government entrusted Deputy Mayors Yen Chun-tso and Tseng Hsu-cheng to coordinate with the temple and the vendors, reaching a consensus on reconstruction.

Mayor Lai Ching-te said that the reconstruction could proceed not only because the city government was determined to solve the problem, but also thanks to the temple, the landowner, for its cooperation and for not being particular about rental income. Mayor Lai Ching-te also thanked association chairman Tseng Chia-lin, who, unlike the fierce protest tactics used in other petition cases, patiently communicated and explained to all the vendors, which enabled a consensus to be reached smoothly. Now that the turmoil over the old market has passed and the new market is about to be rebuilt, he has also fulfilled his promise to the residents of Xiaying.

The Tainan City Economic Development Bureau hopes that the new market, once completed, will present a brand-new architectural appearance, provide a quality shopping and dining environment, attract crowds, and increase vendors' business revenue. In addition, together with nearby attractions, it can further boost tourist and consumer traffic and promote local prosperity.