Proposal for Demolition and Reconstruction of Pumping and Drainage Stations in Low-Lying Areas
Jin Hokeon, a member of the South Jeolla Provincial Council (Democratic Party of Korea, Gokseong), strongly called for fundamental countermeasures regarding the recent heavy rain damage at the 3rd meeting of the 392nd Extraordinary Session of the Agricultural and Fisheries Committee held on July 23.
After receiving a report from the South Jeolla Provincial Agricultural Policy Bureau on the status of heavy rain damage and recovery plans, Jin emphasized, "The swift restoration of areas that have been destroyed, submerged, or damaged must be the top priority." He added, "For pumping stations and drainage stations in low-lying areas that are repeatedly flooded every year, we need to go beyond simple inspections and proceed with bold demolition and reconstruction."
After receiving the report on heavy rain damage and recovery plans at the meeting, Jin reiterated, "Prompt restoration of areas destroyed, submerged, or damaged by this heavy rainfall must be prioritized." In particular, he stressed, "For pumping and drainage stations in low-lying areas that experience repeated flooding every year, we must go beyond basic inspections and carry out bold demolition and reconstruction," calling for structural improvements.
Jin stated, "As sufficient flood data has been accumulated for each region, at least one location in each city or county should be selected first to begin structural reorganization." He also raised the necessity of river dredging. Jin pointed out, "Even if water drains through the drainage channels, it cannot flow out to the river, ultimately resulting in flooding," and urged, "Even if river dredging is not under the jurisdiction of the Agricultural Policy Bureau, the province should actively propose and coordinate with relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Environment at the provincial level," emphasizing interdepartmental cooperation.
He also called for mid- to long-term measures to respond to the climate crisis. Jin said, "As localized heavy rainfall becomes more frequent, it is difficult to handle with the current drainage channel capacity," and requested, "Please also establish policy directions such as raising future design standards and expanding drainage channel sizes."
Through his remarks, Jin stressed the need to establish a mid- to long-term disaster prevention system beyond short-term recovery, and called on the province and the council to play an active role in preparing structural alternatives for the safety of local residents.
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