Nantou, central Taiwan, Jan. 1 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian visited earthquake-stricken Nantou County Monday and stated that he expects to complete post-quake reconstruction work in the next three-and-a-half years.
Chen flew to Tsaotun Township accompanied by Deputy Presidential Secretary-General Chen Tse-nan and Interior Minister Chang Po-ya, shortly after attending a New Year's Day flag-raising ceremony at the Presidential Office.
He first visited the government-operated Nantou Chi Chih Educational Home, which houses 307 mentally handicapped residents.
Chen said that his visit to the home and the quake-affected areas on the first day of the new year indicates the government's great concern about the welfare of the handicapped group and the interests of the quake-displaced people.
The president noted that post-quake reconstruction projects are gradually progressing and added that he hopes the reconstruction work will be completed before the end of his four-year term as president.
Later, Chen proceeded to Mingchien Township to inspect reconstruction work on the quake-damaged Chichi railway, where he asked the Railway Bureau to complete the reconstruction work as scheduled so as to revitalize tourism of Nantou County at an early date.