Unauthorized Use of 72 Parcels for Transmission Towers and Rights-of-Way
Regular Usage Fees to Be Imposed Starting Next Year
The city of Sejong has imposed approximately 130 million KRW in compensation and rental fees on Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) for the unauthorized use of publicly owned property.
According to the city of Sejong on June 23, a survey of transmission towers and the land beneath transmission lines revealed that KEPCO used 16 parcels of land for transmission towers and 56 parcels for transmission line rights-of-way without obtaining permission or signing contracts.
Under the Public Property and Goods Management Act, transmission towers and the land beneath them can only be used if the local government that owns them grants permission and a related rental contract is signed. However, it was found that KEPCO did not comply with these legal requirements.
The city has decided to collect compensation equivalent to 120% of the standard amount from KEPCO for the unauthorized use of public property by the end of this month. Additionally, the city plans to formalize a rental contract and regularly collect an annual usage fee of approximately 25 million KRW from next year onward.
Jang Kyungae, head of the accounting department, stated, "This collection, which was carried out through detailed on-site investigations, legal reviews, and inter-agency consultations, is a meaningful result in establishing the proper value of public property. We will continue to closely inspect the status of public assets and thoroughly collect usage fees when necessary."
Meanwhile, the city plans to use this case as an opportunity to further strengthen its comprehensive survey and follow-up management system for public property.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
