Uiseong County Achieves Consecutive National Funding for Aging Water Pipeline Maintenance Project

89.9 Kilometers of Pipelines to Be Replaced by 2031
Expected to Reduce Annual Water Leakage by 650,000 Tons

Uiseong County in Gyeongbuk has been selected for the second consecutive year for the aging water supply pipeline maintenance project organized by the Ministry of Environment.

Gyeongbuk Uiseong County Government Building. Photo by Byunggeon Kwon

Following last year's successful securing of a 41.35 billion won project, the county has obtained an additional 14.85 billion won this year, further strengthening the foundation for a stable and clean water supply to its residents.

This achievement is attributed to Uiseong County's proactive efforts in repeatedly visiting the National Assembly and the Ministry of Environment to explain the damage to water supply facilities and the inconvenience experienced by residents due to disasters such as last year's massive wildfire. The project is recognized as a result of the county's efforts to demonstrate the necessity and validity of the initiative, which led to consecutive national funding support.

◆ National and Local Government Funding... Systematic Water Supply Maintenance

The project will replace 20.8 kilometers of aging water pipelines by 2031, with national and local government funds each covering 50% of the cost. This is expected to reduce annual water leakage by approximately 170,000 tons and save about 1 billion won in the budget each year.

In particular, when combined with last year's secured project, a total of 89.9 kilometers of pipelines will be replaced. Upon completion, the project is expected to deliver tangible results, including an annual reduction of 650,000 tons of water leakage and a budget savings of 3.8 billion won.

◆ "Establishing a Sustainable Water Welfare System"

Kim Jusu, the governor of Uiseong County, stated, "Being selected for a national project for two consecutive years marks a significant turning point in ensuring a safe water supply for our residents," adding, "We will establish a sustainable water management system that can respond to climate change and create a water environment where all residents can feel secure."

This achievement by Uiseong County goes beyond simply securing a budget; it represents an innovative transformation of essential living infrastructure under the concept of 'water welfare.' It is seen as a case in which a local government successfully persuaded central authorities, and it is expected to have a ripple effect on other local governments in the future.