Kim Han-jong, the former governor of Jangseong County, Jeollanam-do, inspected the status of securing agricultural water at Mildo Reservoir in Jangseong-eup on the 27th.
According to the county on that day, Governor Kim also visited Jangseong Lake with Kim Young-rok, governor of Jeollanam-do, the day before to discuss measures for agricultural water supply.
Jangseong County Governor Kim Han-jong inspected the status of securing agricultural water at Mildo Reservoir on the 27th. [Photo by Jangseong County]
Governor Kim instructed related officials to thoroughly implement drought countermeasures during the farming season so that farmers can cultivate without worry.
The cumulative rainfall in Jangseong County over the past six months was 203 mm, about 60% compared to the average (338.9 mm). Although rainfall of 70 to 99 mm, similar to the average, is expected next month, it seems difficult to reach a satisfactory level of drought relief.
Due to the low rainfall, the average reservoir storage rate is only 59.6%.
The county is making every effort to secure agricultural water by establishing and promoting drought countermeasures during the farming season.
First, water filling is being carried out at five sites where water supply is urgent: Mildo in Jangseong, Oema in Nam-myeon, Guryong in Donghwa-myeon, Wagok in Hwangryong-myeon, and Jangsan Reservoir in Seosam-myeon.
This work involves securing as much agricultural water as possible by utilizing auxiliary water sources such as wells installed nearby.
Maintenance and dredging work for intake weirs to draw water are being promoted at Seosam Imgok and Buk-i Sinwol pumping stations.
Each eup and myeon is checking whether the pumps are operating normally and purchasing new ones to cover shortages.
Four sites including Gusan in Jangseong are developing auxiliary water sources in reservoirs to continuously solve water shortage problems.
The county plans to quickly complete drought countermeasure projects within April and May, and the reservoirs newly being dredged in On-gok, Jinwon-myeon; Boseong, Samseo-myeon; and Deoksan, Samgye-myeon will finish construction by November.
Also, for paddy fields such as rain-fed fields that suffer from constant water shortages and rely solely on rainwater, the county plans to invest 1 billion KRW including national and provincial funds to develop 10 wells by June.
Governor Kim Han-jong said, “Although the water shortage problem in the Jeonnam region is serious, we will respond with full force together with the Korea Rural Community Corporation to minimize damage to local farms during the farming season.”
Jangseong = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Jo Han-gyu baekok@asiae.co.kr
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