Urging Action Through a "Five-Minute Speech"
Ahn Hyeongju, a member of the Gwangju Seo-gu Council (representing Sangmu 2-dong, Seochang-dong, and Kumho 1·2-dong), announced on the 18th that during the first plenary session of the 332nd extraordinary meeting, he urged the implementation of pedestrian safety measures for the embankment road along Seochangcheon through a five-minute speech.
Council member Ahn pointed out, "Although traffic and pedestrian volume have surged due to development and commercial revitalization near the Seochangcheon flood zone, this embankment road was originally designed as a narrow farm road for agricultural use. The narrow road width and illegally parked vehicles make it impossible for cars to pass each other, and pedestrians are repeatedly forced to move to the edge of the embankment, creating a dangerous situation."
In 2022, the Seo-gu District Office invested 40 million won from city and district budgets to install a walking trail and flower beds. However, the problem of illegal parking continued, and in the winter of 2023, a vehicle even crashed over the embankment and fell into Seochangcheon. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but it was a warning sign that a major accident could occur.
Council member Ahn strongly criticized the Seo-gu District Office and Gwangju City, saying, "Although the pedestrian walkway installation project planned for September this year is a measure that can prevent accidents and protect citizens' lives, Gwangju City has not allocated a budget, so even the detailed design service has not been initiated. Is neglecting residents' safety for reasons such as lack of budget or concerns about other complaints if vehicles are restricted, the kind of administration that takes responsibility for citizens' lives?"
He added, "Administration that only comes up with countermeasures after accidents occur must not be repeated. The relevant departments of the Seo-gu District Office should actively request Gwangju City to allocate a budget for the safety of both vehicles and pedestrians using the Seochangcheon embankment road, and establish concrete response measures."
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