Gwangju Seo-gu Council Members "Preserve Pungam Lake's Original Form and Develop Water Quality Improvement Measures"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shin Dong-ho] Members of the Seo-gu Council in Gwangju Metropolitan City have urged the city to devise water quality improvement measures along with the preservation of the original form of Pungam Lake.

According to the Seo-gu Council on the 14th, the council members issued a statement at 3 p.m. at Pungam Lake, led by Councilor Baek Jong-han, titled "Statement Urging the Preparation of Water Quality Improvement Measures Based on the Preservation of the Original Form of Pungam Lake."

Councilor Baek stated, "The landfill-type water quality improvement plan, which severely damages the original form of Pungam Lake, is a concept that only considers the convenience of the project implementer," and added, "The plan, whose effectiveness in improving water quality has not been verified, must be withdrawn."

He continued, "Deciding on water quality improvement measures without a proper public discussion process can deepen residents' distrust of the administration," and added, "Gwangju City should form a resident-participatory public discussion consultative body even now and present water quality improvement measures that fully reflect residents' opinions."

Meanwhile, on July 27, Gwangju City held a residents' briefing session at the Seo-gu Cultural Center, announcing plans to reduce the reservoir volume from 450,000 tons to 160,000 tons by landfill of the lake bottom and to create a lakeside beach, water playground, caf?, and more, which sparked opposition from residents.

Chairperson Ko Kyung-ae said, "At the 307th extraordinary session, Councilors Baek Jong-han, Kim Ok-su, and Kim Kyun-ho pointed out procedural and administrative issues regarding the water quality improvement plan for Pungam Lake," and added, "To represent the voices of Seo-gu residents who wish to preserve the original form of Pungam Lake, all members of the Seo-gu Council will stand firmly on the side of the residents against one-sided administration."

Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shin Dong-ho yjm3070@asiae.co.kr