Sang-gil Park, Gwangju Nam-gu Council Member, "Measures Needed for Frequent Flooding Areas"

On the 18th, Park Sang-gil, a member of the Gwangju Nam-gu Council, conducted a district administration inquiry during the 2nd plenary session of the 297th extraordinary meeting to prevent flood damage caused by rapid climate change. The inquiry focused on 'the causes and countermeasures for habitual flood zones and flood-prone areas' and 'countermeasures for flooding and accidents at Baegun Underpass.'

Councilor Park pointed out, "Looking at the flood damage status in Nam-gu this year, there have been damages in about 140 locations, including houses, farmland, and commercial establishments, both large and small." He added, "There are only eight flood-prone areas mainly consisting of roads in Nam-gu, and the houses, commercial establishments, and farmland that suffered flood damage are not included in the habitual flood zones, so only the status is being identified."

He then questioned about ▲measures to prevent the recurrence of flood damage in places such as houses, farmland, and commercial establishments that experienced flooding ▲the causes and solutions for flooding around Baegun Square, which is managed as a flood-prone area ▲and plans to expand the support targets for the flood prevention facility installation support project.

He also expressed concerns about flooding at Baegun Underpass, which is being constructed in a habitual flood zone, suggesting "to consider ways to divide the legal authority for management and supervision between Gwangju Metropolitan City and the district" and "to establish a disaster response manual to prepare for vehicle accidents caused by flooding."

In response, Kim Byung-nae, head of Gwangju Nam-gu Office, stated, "We are continuously carrying out maintenance projects such as sewer pipe repairs, dredging, and upkeep of rainwater inlets to prevent flood damage at Baegun Square." He added, "The flood prevention facility installation support project is structured as a subsidy support, which involves self-payment, and we will expand support targeting residents of disaster-vulnerable houses such as semi-basements and ease the self-payment rate."

Furthermore, Director Kim said, "The plan to divide the management and supervision authority of Baegun Underpass requires in-depth discussion due to concerns that dual management by the Gwangju city management department and the local district could cause confusion in emergency response." He emphasized, "We will establish a disaster response manual clarifying the roles of the Gwangju city management department and the district and build an organic cooperation system between the city and the district."