Kim Tae-jin, Seo-gu Council Member, Urges Urgent Improvement of Pedestrian Road Environment in Sangmu District

Kim Tae-jin, a member of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Seo-gu Council, stated in a 5-minute free speech at the 2nd plenary session of the 324th extraordinary meeting on the 23rd, “I request that the vegetation retention pond project be properly carried out in accordance with the purpose of the project as a water circulation leading city.”

The vegetation retention pond, as part of the water circulation leading city initiative, refers to a small-scale retention facility covered with vegetation that controls stormwater runoff. However, recently, the vegetation retention pond project has accounted for a large portion of complaints in the apartment areas of the Sangmu district.

The vegetation retention ponds appear to have been left unfinished after construction from an aesthetic standpoint, and during rain, soil overflows onto pedestrian roads.

There are a total of 30 vegetation retention ponds installed on pedestrian-only roads in apartment complexes, currently located around Jipyeong-dong Jungheung Apartments 1 and 2 complexes and Haegwang Hanshin Apartments, with an estimated budget of about 200 million KRW.

However, no matter how good the project’s purpose is, if the appearance seems neglected and causes inconvenience to pedestrians due to soil and other factors, it could rather tarnish the image of the water circulation leading project.

In response, Councilor Kim said, “The management of the vegetation retention pond project is handled by Gwangju Metropolitan City and the Environmental Management Corporation, but most complaints are directed to Seo-gu Office,” and added, “I request that Seo-gu Office continue to actively cooperate with the city through close consultations so that the vegetation retention pond project can be well implemented.”

Finally, Councilor Kim mentioned, “We need to find improvement methods that enhance the project’s purpose aesthetically while preserving the intent of the vegetation retention pond project,” and stated, “I will continue to strive to ensure the project is properly carried out.”

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Shin Dong-ho bless4ya@asiae.co.kr