Jung-gu Office Employees Sweat Over Snow Removal Work for Safe Commute

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Jung-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Kim Gil-seong) is putting all efforts into snow removal work from early dawn amid the strongest cold wave this winter.

As heavy snow was forecasted in the metropolitan area amid severe cold of minus 10℃, 244 employees from the district office and neighborhood community centers stood by from 11 p.m. on the 25th, preemptively spreading de-icing agents mainly on vulnerable sections such as slopes and stairs.

From 1 a.m., when snowflakes began to fall, de-icing agents were additionally spread twice on main roads. From 5 a.m., snow accumulated on side streets and subway entrances was intensively cleared to ensure the safety of commuters.

The district plans to continue additional work by deploying staff to sidewalks and side streets where freezing is expected, maintaining an emergency snow removal response system in accordance with the forecast of continued subzero temperatures.

Over 500 Eunpyeong-gu Public Officials, Except Essential Personnel, Engage in Snow Removal

Focused Snow Removal in Vulnerable Side Streets Near Commercial Buildings, Bus Stops, and Subway Stations

Eunpyeong-gu (District Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) announced that it mobilized over 500 public officials to carry out snow removal work on the 26th following a heavy snow advisory issued after the cold wave.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 26th, 4.5 cm of snow fell until the heavy snow advisory was lifted at 11:20 a.m.

Starting from 9 a.m. on the same day, Eunpyeong-gu deployed over 500 public officials, excluding essential personnel at the main office, pregnant women, and childcare staff for infants and young children, to conduct snow removal on vulnerable areas such as sidewalks on main roads and side streets.

To minimize residents' inconvenience caused by freezing, 14 vulnerable routes (33.2 km) across 16 neighborhoods were designated and assigned to respective bureaus for snow removal work. Snow removal on five major roads including Tongil-ro was completed using equipment.

Public officials from neighborhood community centers and residents from various professional organizations also joined forces to participate in self-initiated snow removal efforts.

Despite the severe cold approaching minus 7℃, public officials focused on pedestrian safety and alleviating inconvenience by clearing snow piled up at bus stops, in front of commercial buildings, on slopes, and various sidewalks.

Mr. Kang, newly appointed this year, said, “Although snow removal work is still unfamiliar to me, it was a time to rethink the role of a public official. After working hard, eating jajangmyeon with colleagues on site strengthened our camaraderie even more.”

District Mayor Kim Mi-kyung encouraged, “I am grateful to the staff who participated with one heart and mind despite the sudden emergency duty. I am proud of the employees who joined forces to protect the safety of residents and fulfill the duty of public officials.”

Eunpyeong-gu is operating a 24-hour Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters to thoroughly prepare for freezing due to temperature drops.