Policy Debate on Solving Water Shortage in the East Coast Region
Emphasizing the Need for a Special Budget by Referencing Lee Jaemyung's Remarks
Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized the seriousness of the water shortage crisis in Gangneung, stating, "Special problems require special measures, and it is important to secure a special budget for these special measures."
At the National Assembly in Yeouido on September 4, during the 'National Assembly Policy Debate for Solving Water Shortage Issues in the East Coast Region,' Leader Jeong referenced President Lee Jaemyung's frequent remark that "special sacrifices deserve special compensation" to underscore his point.
Leader Jeong said, "It is true that there is a water shortage, but we need to consider whether this is truly a water shortage problem or a lack of countermeasures. While there is a water shortage issue, looking back at how this has been repeated over the years, I believe it is more a problem of insufficient countermeasures."
He mentioned the policy debate's slogan, "An East Coast Without Thirst, Let's Expand Our Water Bowls," and added, "If we cannot expand one water bowl, perhaps we need to create several. I hope that during today's debate, the political community will provide solutions on how to address this issue."
Leader Jeong also said, "I would like to express my apologies to the citizens of Gangneung who are suffering from the water shortage, and I hope this debate will serve as an opportunity to fundamentally resolve their hardship."
In addition to Leader Jeong, the meeting was attended by Han Jeongae, Chair of the Policy Committee, Heo Young, Senior Deputy Floor Leader for Policy, Ahn Hoyoung, Chair of the National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee, and Song Kiheon, among others.
Han, who serves as Chair of the National Assembly Water Forum, suggested, "With the opening of the KTX line from Seoul to the Gangwon region, a significant amount of groundwater is being discharged. If we collect and redirect this properly, it could serve as an additional water source for Gangneung."
Senior Deputy Floor Leader Heo remarked, "Some local governments should be more receptive to various proposals to expand water resources, but I have often felt as though they are building barriers to water support. We need to keep all options open, establish fundamental solutions, and since the budget for these measures was not included for next year, I will actively work to secure emergency funding during the budget review process as Senior Deputy Floor Leader for Policy."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
