Taipei, Dec 13 (AsiaNet/UNB) - The first stage of a government project to build affordable housing units in Taiwan got off the ground in New Taipei City on Monday.

The units will be constructed in Fuzhou, Banciao District at a total cost ofNT$43 billion (US$1.4 billion) and are scheduled to be completed by April 2015.

The project comprises 4,480 residential units, ranging in size from 15-35 pings, and 138 storefront units.

The project is part of a government policy to create more affordable housing, said Premier Wu Den-yih, who presided over the groundbreaking ceremony jointly with New Taipei Mayor EricLiluan Chu.