- Kim Chun-seok, governor of Yeoju County -
Fortunately, the flood damage of Yeoju County was not great. What would be the differences from usual?
Comparing recent other years’ heavy rainfall on July, this year’s precipitation was enough to threaten the limitation water level of the Yeoju Bridge. However, it proved safe and stabilized despite the concerns. We regard the effect as the result from lowered flood level due to dredging works. Actually, the width of the river became wider; depth went under more 1m and velocity of water was faster. We are truly relieved from decades-long anxiety for yearly recurrent flood and inundation. I think that the root purpose of the Project, flood damage prevention and security of water resource, is fulfilled at last.
What was the most impressive thing during the Project period?
There is an islet called as Baekseokri. This alluvial island has been utilized as military purpose since 1957; air force shooting range is situated there. And then, recently the air force side sent us an official document which says they will expand the bombing exercise area regardless of concerns for residents’ security. That expansion fully runs counter to the river restoration project on the Han River which has been driven by central government. Since we held a rally against it in April 28 with about 15000 county residents, Ministry of National Defense withdrew their plan.
During the progress of the Project, you may have seen the opponent demonstration against the Project. Do you have any comment for them?
The Han River Restoration Project is a golden opportunity since the origin of the town (AD. 475). In Yeoju County, KRW 1.09 trillion has been invested for creating or improving dredging, weirs, bike trails, ecoparks and for job creation with revitalizing local economy. The Four Major Rivers Restoration Project is not a simple development or ecosystem devastation at all. On the contrary, it is a policy of nature-friendly ecosystem preservation and effective management of water resource. As a integrated riparian properties management enterprise which is reducing the possible flood damages on increasing trend and removing factors of water waste, it is a cardinal project for job creation and revitalization of stagnant real economy by boosting domestic demand.
The Project goes into the final phase. Do you have any wish about the following backup support from the central government?
By the end of this year, we will see the end of the Project at last. From next year, local governments are to be responsible for following-up works to build additional infrastructures with the Project as a fundamental basis. Since structuring infrastructure needs budget and work force, so municipality’s budget would be definitely insufficient. In the sense of maintenance follow-up program, I think central government’s constant interest and support are essential. Though dredging and weir construction are important, the successful completion seems to depend on how can we utilize riparian environment and preserve ecosphere for people’s healthier life and mutual response to nature. Therefore close and sustainable cooperation system is much more important.
