Residents Demand Abolition of Special Act Study Reflecting Their Will
The Pan-County Countermeasure Committee for the Hwanggang Water Intake Facility in Geochang-gun, Gyeongnam, held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Center on the 10th to clearly express their opposition to the re-proposal of the Nakdong River Special Act.
The countywide countermeasure committee regarding Hwanggang Water Intake Station in Geochang County is holding a press conference.
Although the "Special Act on Diversification of Water Intake Sources in the Nakdong River Basin" was withdrawn on July 2 due to strong opposition from residents, there are signs that it may be re-proposed. In response, the committee held this press conference to deliver the residents' strong opposition to the re-proposal of the Nakdong River Special Act and to demand the complete abandonment of research related to the special act.
On this day, the committee members emphasized that the government’s unilateral push for the project without reaching an agreement with or listening to the opinions of local residents would not only harm those living in the affected areas but also cause serious damage to the natural environment for future generations. They stressed that this is a reality from which they cannot retreat and that it is for the sake of their descendants.
They also strongly demanded that the National Assembly and the Ministry of Environment: ▲ immediately stop the re-proposal of the Nakdong River Special Act ▲ abandon the plan for Hwanggang riverbed water intake ▲ acknowledge responsibility for the failure of the Nakdong River restoration project and implement measures to improve the water quality of the Nakdong River main stream.
Co-chairs Shin Jaehwa and Song Kanghun stated, "Before pushing ahead with the project, measures for the residents must be presented first, and efforts to gain residents' consent should be prioritized. This is the way to prevent repeated failures in water supply. Supplying drinking water, which is directly linked to public health, and improving the water quality of the Nakdong River are national responsibilities, and we hope the government will carry out responsible projects for the people."
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