Yangcheon-gu to Replace Concrete Manholes with Steel Ones by July

Confirmed 347 Concrete Manholes Through Full Survey, 700 Million Invested to Replace All with Cast Iron by July
Preventing Safety Accidents Like Falls by Replacing Durable Cast Iron Covers Supporting 46 Tons, with Over 30 Years Lifespan Cast Iron Structures

Yangcheon-gu (District Mayor Lee Gi-jae) announced that it will proactively replace 347 concrete manholes in the area, which pose a threat to pedestrian safety due to their lower durability compared to cast iron, from this month until July to prevent safety accidents.

Following a series of safety incidents, including a citizen falling due to the damage of a concrete sewer manhole in Busan last December, the district conducted a full on-site inspection of concrete manholes in the area from late January to mid-February this year. The investigation revealed that out of a total of 9,773 sewer manholes, 347 were so-called 'concrete manholes' made of non-reinforced concrete rather than cast iron.

Concrete (non-reinforced) manholes are particularly vulnerable to external impacts, cracks caused by aging, and corrosion from gases inside the sewer pipes. Accordingly, the district immediately established a maintenance plan to replace all of them, allocating a budget of 700 million KRW to refurbish all concrete manhole covers with cast iron ones before the summer rainy season begins.

Cast iron manhole covers feature a 'solid cast iron' structure that is highly resistant to wear, damage, and corrosion, boasting a minimum durability of over 30 years. Additionally, they can withstand loads of up to approximately 46 tons without difficulty, which is expected to significantly contribute to preventing manhole-related accidents such as falls, collapses, and bulging.

The district plans to sequentially maintain a total of 347 sites, starting with those urgently requiring repairs due to severe aging, followed by vulnerable areas prone to frequent flooding and sewer backflow, as well as locations with high pedestrian traffic.

Lee Gi-jae, Mayor of Yangcheon-gu, stated, “We will complete the concrete manhole inspection and maintenance project, which the district has swiftly undertaken, within the first half of the year to create a safe walking environment where residents can walk with peace of mind.”