Gyeongnam Governor Park Wan-su: "Actively Respond to Nuclear Plant Contaminated Water Discharge"

"In connection with the government inspection team’s activities regarding the contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan, communicate the province’s position and countermeasures and respond actively."

Gyeongnam Province Governor Park Wan-su said this at the heads of departments and bureaus meeting on the 22nd.

"If the contaminated water from the nuclear power plant is discharged, Gyeongnam, which is geographically close and a center of the fisheries industry, will be the most affected," he said, urging to do their best for radiation management of seafood and the safety of residents.

Earlier, Governor Park firmly stated, "We absolutely oppose the discharge of contaminated water that has not been confirmed safe."

Gyeongnam Province has established safety management and countermeasures in preparation for the discharge of contaminated water, including operating a dedicated organization, supporting radiation measurement equipment and expanding investigations, and strengthening origin labeling and monitoring of seafood distribution.

Governor Park Wansu of Gyeongnam Province is urging active response from the department heads at the division and bureau chiefs meeting regarding the Fukushima nuclear power plant contaminated water issue.
[Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Government]

On the same day, Governor Park also mentioned the increasing phenomenon of local universities experiencing a decline in new students and financial difficulties.

He said, "Gyeongnam Province should lead university restructuring and innovation so that universities can continuously nurture industrial manpower," adding, "Listen to the difficulties on the ground, form a consultative body with experts to discuss countermeasures, and respond more actively to the government’s plan to expand medical school quotas."

He expressed regret over the fatal accident that occurred last week during the dredging work of the sewage pipe in Gimhae.

He emphasized, "When working in confined spaces, pre-inspections and wearing equipment must be ensured by improving the system so that such incidents never happen again."

He continued, "Since pedestrian crossings are attached to intersections, frequent child traffic accidents occur in the blind spots of right-turning vehicles," requesting efforts to improve pedestrian crossings.

Regarding the recent auction sale of the old and damaged wooden Turtle Ship in Geoje City at a low price, he pointed out, "This is undesirable."

Governor Park said, "Instead of selling it off because of problems after investing a large budget to create tourism resources, it should have been repaired and used for its intended purpose," urging, "Thoroughly manage local government sculptures and facilities so that they fulfill their original purposes."

He stressed that when signing agreements with the private sector or providing debt guarantees for investment attraction and regional development, thorough analysis and expert consultation must be conducted.

He instructed improvements to related systems to prevent local governments from entering disadvantageous contracts or bearing excessive financial responsibilities due to incompetence or secret agreements.

He also urged efforts to secure national funds targeting the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the National Assembly, pass the special law for establishing the Space and Aviation Agency, and enact the special law for promoting tourism on the southern coast.

He said that support from the province is necessary for government petitions related to current issues of cities and counties.

"If cities and counties act individually, there is a risk of hindering overall regional development," he said, adding, "The province must strive to act as a coordinator for city and county issues such as public institution relocation and cable car installation."

Regarding the recent announcement by the National Fisheries Science Institute of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries that schools of sardines are rapidly appearing along the southern coast, he instructed cooperation with cities, counties, and related organizations by referring to overseas resource utilization cases to prevent mass sardine deaths.

Finally, he mentioned that some cases were pointed out in the audit results of subsidies to private organizations conducted by the Board of Audit and Inspection and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety within the province, and urged thorough guidance and supervision to ensure that residents’ taxes are not misused.