As complaints continue regarding utility poles occupying a circular road in Ulleung-gun, Gyeongbuk, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) is embroiled in a heated dispute with local authorities over relocation costs rather than resolving the civil complaints, sparking controversy.
According to a comprehensive report by Asia Economy on the 5th, two utility poles installed along the circular road near Namyang-ri, Seomyeon, Ulleung-gun, are not only hindering road expansion but also threatening vehicle traffic and pedestrian safety.
A utility pole is standing alone in the middle of the Ulleung-gun ring road, causing inconvenience to traffic and posing a safety hazard.
Originally, the utility poles were located at the edge of the road, but due to consecutive typhoon damages in 2020, during the disaster recovery project and functional improvement expansion of the access road to Tonggumi Village in Seomyeon, the poles ended up positioned in the center of the road.
In June last year, the county requested KEPCO Ulleung branch to relocate the utility poles. This was to enforce KEPCO’s promise made during the disaster recovery to move the poles whenever necessary.
Moreover, since KEPCO installed the utility poles occupying the road and is currently receiving exemptions from road occupancy fees, the county’s position is that KEPCO should naturally bear the relocation costs according to the Road Act due to the road expansion.
However, KEPCO Ulleung branch insists, based on relevant laws, that the relocation costs arising from the disaster recovery construction should be borne by Ulleung-gun. They maintain that the relocation promise was made verbally at the time and cannot be verified due to personnel changes, repeating this stance.
Lee Muhong, head of KEPCO Ulleung branch, stated, “According to relevant laws, we have requested Ulleung-gun to seek a land expropriation decision from the Central Land Expropriation Committee,” adding, “We believe the county office should bear the relocation costs, and since I am currently on leave, please ask the team leader for specific progress.”
Local civic groups and nearby residents argue that “while laws and principles are important, safety and resolving civil complaints should come first.”
An official from a civic group who requested anonymity said, “Arguing over who should bear the relocation costs can be dealt with later. Despite ongoing complaints, KEPCO is just standing by, and will only act after an accident occurs,” raising their voice.
In response, an Ulleung-gun official said, “The cost issue can be disputed after the utility poles are relocated, but despite several consultations with KEPCO, no amicable agreement has been reached due to differing legal interpretations. We will seek a reasonable solution to alleviate residents’ inconvenience.”
Ulleung-gun also stated that in June 2021, since KEPCO did not apply for an extension of the road occupancy permit after its expiration, they plan to take legal action against KEPCO for unauthorized occupation of the illegal utility poles.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
