Keelung Speaker Tong Zi-wei Urges Integration of Government's Old House Life Extension Policy for Better Efficiency
The Ministry of the Interior held an explanatory meeting in Keelung for the 'Old House Life Extension and Functional Renewal Project.' Keelung City Council Speaker Tong Zi-wei hopes the city will leverage this 5 billion TWD national budget to accelerate the efficiency of renovating aging buildings.
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- 📰 Published: April 26, 2026 at 20:02
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The Ministry of the Interior held a session of the 'Old House Life Extension and Functional Renewal Project Roving Briefing' at 2:30 PM today at Xinyi Elementary School in Keelung. MOI Undersecretary Dong Jian-hong, Keelung City Urban Development Bureau Deputy Director Zhang Shu-wei, and City Council Speaker Tong Zi-wei attended the event.
Speaker Tong Zi-wei stated during an interview that Keelung developed very early, resulting in many old houses across the city center and various districts. Citizens have high expectations for the central government's plans. By attending today, he aimed to understand the application process and methods first-hand so that the Keelung City Government can integrate this central policy to double the efficiency of extending the life of old houses, which is crucial for residents.
Deputy Director Zhang Shu-wei pointed out that the average age of buildings in Keelung is over 30 years, creating an urgent need for renewal. Since traditional urban redevelopment is too slow to meet current needs, this central policy is a great alternative. Old apartments can be renovated from exterior to interior through this life extension method. The city government welcomes the policy and will assist with subsequent application processes.
Independent Keelung City Councilor Chen Guan-yu proposed three suggestions: First, given the limited central subsidies, the city should allocate its own budget to follow up. Second, a professional guidance team is needed to help community management committees before official intervention. Third, the policy should be sustainable to ensure long-term residential safety for citizens.
According to the MOI, the Executive Yuan approved the 'Old House Life Extension and Functional Renewal Project' on March 16, with a special budget of 5 billion TWD. The project will run until December 31 next year. It fully subsidizes local governments to form service teams, though local authorities must share repair subsidies based on their financial capacity. It is estimated that 3,000 buildings nationwide—including 4-6 story apartments and townhouses under 6 stories that are over 30 years old—will benefit.
Speaker Tong Zi-wei stated during an interview that Keelung developed very early, resulting in many old houses across the city center and various districts. Citizens have high expectations for the central government's plans. By attending today, he aimed to understand the application process and methods first-hand so that the Keelung City Government can integrate this central policy to double the efficiency of extending the life of old houses, which is crucial for residents.
Deputy Director Zhang Shu-wei pointed out that the average age of buildings in Keelung is over 30 years, creating an urgent need for renewal. Since traditional urban redevelopment is too slow to meet current needs, this central policy is a great alternative. Old apartments can be renovated from exterior to interior through this life extension method. The city government welcomes the policy and will assist with subsequent application processes.
Independent Keelung City Councilor Chen Guan-yu proposed three suggestions: First, given the limited central subsidies, the city should allocate its own budget to follow up. Second, a professional guidance team is needed to help community management committees before official intervention. Third, the policy should be sustainable to ensure long-term residential safety for citizens.
According to the MOI, the Executive Yuan approved the 'Old House Life Extension and Functional Renewal Project' on March 16, with a special budget of 5 billion TWD. The project will run until December 31 next year. It fully subsidizes local governments to form service teams, though local authorities must share repair subsidies based on their financial capacity. It is estimated that 3,000 buildings nationwide—including 4-6 story apartments and townhouses under 6 stories that are over 30 years old—will benefit.