Myeong Hyun-gwan, Haenam County Governor, Implements Comprehensive Heating Cost Support for Vulnerable Groups

Thoroughly Examine to Identify Subjects Without Any Blind Spots

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] Myeong Hyeon-gwan, the mayor of Haenam County, stated at the regular meeting on the 6th, “Due to recent increases in heating and electricity costs, vulnerable groups are facing greater difficulties, so we must establish a safety net through more meticulous support,” and instructed, “At the eup, myeon, and departments, please carefully examine not only the identification of beneficiaries to ensure no blind spots but also whether there are areas where local government support beyond national aid is possible.”

According to the county, in response to the winter cold wave and soaring heating costs, emergency funds will be urgently injected to support heating expenses totaling 380 million KRW, providing 100,000 to 200,000 KRW per household for 5,631 vulnerable individuals including low-income elderly living alone and reclusive crisis households.

At the Haenam County regular meeting, County Governor Myeong Hyun-gwan (center) is instructing to carefully review the heating cost support for vulnerable groups.
[Photo by Haenam County]

In particular, the scope of support was expanded not only to 2,793 vulnerable individuals regularly receiving energy vouchers but also to low-income elderly living alone, single-parent families, middle-aged households living alone, and reclusive crisis households.

Mayor Myeong emphasized that in addition to this emergency heating cost support, continuous identification of vulnerable groups facing difficulties and the preparation of multifaceted support measures such as livelihood stabilization and housing environment improvement are necessary.

At the meeting, work instructions were also given on current issues including securing parking spaces following the reopening of the daily market and promoting the use of surrounding parking lots, strengthening guidance activities in eup and myeon for fire prevention in spring, inspecting the use of agricultural low-temperature storage facilities, and prior public notification to residents.

Mayor Myeong Hyeon-gwan said, “Since the economy is in a difficult period, I hope support for vulnerable groups will be implemented thoroughly and meticulously so that we can overcome the crisis together,” and added, “February marks the time when this year’s work officially begins, so I hope to accelerate the promotion of various pending projects and lead economic revitalization.”