Kim Donggon, head of Cheongyang County, and Kim Kiyoung, vice governor of Chungnam Province, are expressing their positions regarding the Cheongyang Jicheon Dam. / Naepo - Photo by Kim Ayoung
The gap between the positions of Chungnam Province and Cheongyang County regarding the construction of the Jicheon Dam by the Ministry of Environment remains unresolved.
The county maintains that it cannot support the dam construction due to the Ministry of Environment's insufficient countermeasures, while the province has stated that the dam is essential for the next 100 years of Chungnam's future and will demand the formation of a consultative body and support measures.
Kim Dongon, Governor of Cheongyang County, held a press conference at the county office on the 11th and said, "I deeply sympathize with the national necessity of addressing water shortages, but as the conflict between residents for and against the dam construction is growing, a clear justification was needed. We have demanded seven requirements and responsible countermeasures from the Ministry of Environment."
He continued, "Looking at the official response delivered by the Ministry of Environment, apart from not designating the water source protection area, they have not provided clear countermeasures for other concerns such as administrative sanctions, compensation, embankment collapse, and ecosystem destruction," adding, "While it may still be difficult for inter-ministerial consultations to take place, the official response from the Ministry of Environment alone cannot guarantee credibility or persuade local residents."
Governor Kim stated, "The Ministry of Environment's measures do not resolve residents' concerns about potential damages and are still insufficient to address the sense of loss felt by local residents, so I make it clear that I cannot support the construction of the Jicheon Dam," and added, "If the county governor does not approve, dam construction will also be difficult."
In response, Kim Kiyoung, Vice Governor of Chungnam Province, also held a press conference at the provincial office and said, "We regret that Governor Kim Dongon has expressed opposition to the construction of the Jicheon Dam, citing insufficient responses from the Ministry of Environment to the issues raised. While we understand the county's concerns and worries, this is a matter that requires a comprehensive judgment with a long-term perspective for the region's future."
He further emphasized, "Regarding the issues requested and raised by the county, we will demand the formation of a pan-government consultative body and concrete support measures from the government and ensure they are implemented," adding, "In the process, we will also separately establish and promote comprehensive support measures at the provincial level that residents can directly feel, in addition to government policies."
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