Yeosu City Council Issues Statement on Disaster Relief Payments to All Citizens: "Belated but Welcome"

Persistent demand for payment by the council fulfilled fortunately... 'One-point council' to be held at the end of this month for resolution
Pre-consultation with the council omitted again in payment decision... Still lamentable 'non-communicative admi

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] The Yeosu City Council (Chairman Jeon Chang-gon) commented on Yeosu City's announcement of disaster relief fund payments, saying "It is belated but welcome," and announced on the 18th that it will hold a 'one-point council meeting' for prompt payment.

The Yeosu City Council issued a statement on the same day, saying, "It is fortunate that the council's persistent demand for disaster relief fund payments has been realized," and announced, "We will hold a one-point council meeting at the end of this month to ensure that all citizens receive the disaster relief funds before the Lunar New Year holiday and promptly carry out the necessary procedures."

The scale of Yeosu City's disaster relief fund payment is planned to be 250,000 KRW per person, to be paid via prepaid cards.

Mayor Kwon Oh-bong of Yeosu directly announced this plan during a briefing on the afternoon of the 18th.

In response, the Yeosu City Council expressed overall welcome but also regret that the disaster relief fund payments, which were strongly demanded by citizens and the council last year, were not made.

In fact, the Yeosu City Council has persistently demanded the necessity of disaster relief fund payments through 10-minute speeches and administrative questions last year.

In particular, in June of last year, the council directly enacted an ordinance as a legal basis for the disaster relief fund payments.

Moreover, the council expressed regret over the city government's omission of prior consultation with the council during the decision-making process for this disaster relief fund payment, stating, "There is still a lack of communication in administration, which is deplorable."

Chairman Jeon Chang-gon also pointed out, "This disaster relief fund payment decision is greatly inconsistent with the position previously announced by Mayor Kwon Oh-bong. Last year, it was said that payment was difficult due to financial reasons, and until recently, it was stated that the city would pay the disaster relief fund on its own only if there was no support from the government or the province, but suddenly changed the position, which is puzzling."

He added, "Some criticize that the recent decision to pay disaster relief funds in Suncheon City prompted a hasty change in stance to pay the funds. Although the timing was greatly missed and it feels late, it is fortunate that payment can now be made, and I hope this disaster relief fund will provide a small comfort and strength to the citizens who have endured the difficult situation caused by COVID-19 and actively cooperated with quarantine efforts."