Gwangju City to Install Fall-Prevention Devices on 2,516 Manholes

By September, 1,834 Locations Along Riverbanks and Flood-Prone Areas
Remaining 682 Sites to Be Completed Before Next Year's Rainy Season

Gwangju City Hall exterior view.

On July 7, Gwangju City announced plans to gradually install fall-prevention devices on 2,516 manholes, focusing on areas at risk of disasters, such as riverbanks and locations prone to frequent flooding, in order to enhance public safety.

This measure was prompted by a manhole accident caused by a localized heavy rain in Seoul in August 2022. At that time, an open sewer manhole cover led to casualties, prompting the Ministry of Environment to revise sewer design standards and mandate the installation of fall-prevention devices on manholes in disaster-prone areas.

There are a total of 102,284 manholes in Gwangju. Of these, 2,516 manholes located along riverbanks, in areas prone to frequent flooding, and in low-lying zones?where the risk of accidents is particularly high?were selected as priorities for the installation of fall-prevention devices.

To date, devices have been installed on 1,055 manholes (41.9%). In cooperation with local districts, the city plans to install an additional 779 devices (30.9%) by September, and to complete the installation on the remaining 682 manholes?after securing the necessary budget?before the rainy season next year.

Kim Hoon, Director of Water Management Policy, stated, "We will ensure the smooth installation of fall-prevention devices, focusing on riverbanks and areas at risk of flooding, which are directly linked to public safety," adding, "Through on-site inspections, we will actively identify and expand installation to additional areas where needed."