Preparing for 0% Water Level at Obong Dam
Prime Minister Kim Minseok Stresses Need for Strong and Practical Measures
Calls for Honest Communication with Residents as Water Shortage May Worsen Until February
Prime Minister Kim Minseok emphasized the need to prepare for the possibility that the drought situation in Gangneung could continue until February next year.
Prime Minister Kim Minseok is speaking at the Gangneung Drought Countermeasure Meeting held on the 5th at the Disaster Situation Room of Gangneung City Hall, Gangwon Province.
On the 5th, during a drought countermeasure meeting held at Gangneung City Hall, Prime Minister Kim expressed concern, saying, "In particular, the period from now until February next year could become an even more severe time of water shortage." He added, "The harsh reality is that if the worst-case scenario occurs, there will be only a few alternatives available."
Prime Minister Kim stated, "The initial and primary response measures have already begun and are highly meaningful, but it is clear that there are limitations to relying on them alone." He continued, "We are now at the stage where we must start preparing countermeasures for what to do if this situation continues." He further added, "We can no longer rely on solutions that simply wait for rain. Before the inconvenience to citizens becomes prolonged, we must strongly implement practical and effective measures."
He also said, "We need to have an open and honest discussion with citizens about emergency measures that can be taken immediately," and urged Gangneung City to thoroughly inform residents about the possibility that the worst-case scenario-where water intake from Obong Reservoir becomes impossible-could occur.
Additionally, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety was instructed to prepare in advance so that the remaining water in the lower part of Obong Dam can be used even if the reservoir rate reaches 0%. Korea Water Resources Corporation was also directed to consider utilizing mobile container seawater desalination facilities in preparation for a prolonged drought.
Regarding water conservation, he remarked, "I do not think we have yet seen any noticeable effects from water-saving efforts," and emphasized, "Although there are many difficulties, we must thoroughly and meticulously check whether conservation measures are being properly implemented."
Prime Minister Kim expressed his sincere apologies for the various hardships residents are experiencing and extended his gratitude to firefighters, the military, and local government officials who are providing multifaceted water supply support.
Before the meeting, Prime Minister Kim visited a residential area, turned on the tap at a kitchen sink to listen to residents' inconveniences firsthand, and visited the Hongje Water Purification Plant to receive a detailed report on the water supply situation. This visit by Prime Minister Kim was carried out as a follow-up to President Lee Jaemyung's visit to Gangneung on August 30, during which he ordered the establishment of countermeasures.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
