In every corner of the city, sanitation workers work quietly and diligently. Whether in the early morning or late at night, their figures are always seen on the streets, safeguarding our living environment. However, their readiness spaces have long been neglected. To address the needs of these hardworking individuals, the Environmental Management Administration (EMA) of the Ministry of Environment has actively promoted the renovation and optimization of sanitation team readiness spaces. From 2023 to 2024, a total of NT$117,412,100 was invested to assist 16 counties and cities in improving the readiness spaces and work environments of sanitation teams in 51 townships, cities, and districts, benefiting at least 4,635 sanitation workers. This is not just a policy initiative but a heartfelt commitment to laborers.
For a long time, many sanitation workers have faced inadequate readiness environments. Some teams could only set up makeshift sheds or corrugated metal structures outdoors, exposing workers to harsh weather. Others had readiness rooms that were old and in disrepair, with issues like wall cancer, water leakage, or seismic safety concerns, affecting workers' health and safety. Additionally, some teams lacked sufficient toilet and shower facilities, causing inconvenience for personal hygiene. To improve these conditions, the EMA has supported local governments through renovation and equipment upgrade programs to enhance readiness room environments.
So far, 41 township, city, and district sanitation teams have completed improvements. For example, the sanitation teams in Linnei Township, Yunlin County, and Chiayi City previously had to prepare for duty outdoors or in old corrugated metal structures. With EMA subsidies, they now have expanded readiness spaces that offer safe and comfortable resting areas. These changes not only provide peace of mind for the workers but also show them society's care and support. Additionally, the sanitation team in Kanding Township, Pingtung County, installed accessible toilets; the teams in Guishan District, Taoyuan City, and Huwei Township, Yunlin County, conducted seismic reinforcement to ensure building safety, allowing every team member to work with confidence.
In terms of repairs, the EMA assisted the sanitation team in Xinying District, Tainan City, with waterproofing works on the roof to resolve water leakage issues. The team in Dacun Township, Changhua County, completed floor tile repairs; the team in Xuejia District, Tainan City, repaired wall cracks; and the old readiness room of the team in Sikou Township, Chiayi County, has been renovated, significantly improving the work environment quality for sanitation workers. These improvement projects are more than just hardware repairs—they are a tribute to the dedication of sanitation workers.
The EMA stated that among the 368 sanitation teams and 860 sites nationwide, 219 township, city, and district sanitation teams have been identified as needing repairs. Teams that have not yet submitted requests may face issues such as legal land or building status, which once resolved, can allow them to file requests. Looking ahead to 2028, the EMA will continue promoting the modernization of environmental facilities and deepen cooperation with local governments to ensure that all sanitation workers have safe and legally compliant readiness spaces.