Flood Damage, Pungam Intersection Underpass, and Odor Complaints
Paek Jonghan, a member of the Gwangju Seo-gu Council, called for practical measures to address local livelihood issues by raising detailed questions during the second plenary session of the 334th Council on October 23.
In his inquiries, Paek Jonghan focused on key issues affecting residents, including the management of erosion control and landscape green facilities to prevent flood damage, resolving traffic congestion at the Pungam Intersection, addressing sewage odor problems in the old downtown area, and alleviating inconveniences caused by construction at Pungam Lake Park.
Paek stated, "Despite multiple rounds of erosion control projects around Geumdang Mountain in the Pungam District, sediment still pours down and sewage overflows during heavy rains." He questioned whether the managers of erosion control facilities had properly conducted regular and occasional inspections as required by law, and whether repairs and reinforcements had been made based on the inspection results.
He further pointed out, "If damage has occurred due to negligence in management, the administration cannot avoid responsibility."
Addressing the traffic congestion at Pungam Intersection, he asked, "Is Seo-gu actively responding to Gwangju City's fifth project to improve roads with severe traffic congestion?"
Paek emphasized, "The Punggeum-ro to General Distribution Complex section is rated service level F, one of the worst in the country. With more than 2,700 households set to move into the Central Park development, traffic problems are certain to worsen. Seo-gu needs to respond proactively, ahead of Gwangju City, rather than merely relying on cooperation."
He also highlighted the odor problem in the old downtown area, saying, "Areas such as Hwajeong 3-dong and 4-dong suffer from severe sewage and insect problems due to combined sewer systems." He asked for specific implementation plans and budget measures for the separate sewer system maintenance project scheduled for December.
He proposed, "Like other local governments, support measures are needed to reduce residents' living costs, such as providing facilities to reduce septic tank odors and lowering fees for waste cleaning services."
Regarding the construction at Pungam Lake Park, he said, "Noise and restricted access due to construction are causing serious inconvenience for residents," and questioned whether safety fences and barriers were being installed according to standards and whether there had been any review on using the lake as a firefighting water source after construction.
He added, "Pungam Lake should not be seen as merely a water quality improvement project, but as an opportunity to enhance the living environment and the city's image."
Paek concluded, "Issues such as heavy rain, traffic, and the environment may seem unrelated, but ultimately, they are matters of administrative speed and responsiveness on the ground. Administration only has meaning if residents can feel the changes. I hope Seo-gu will implement practical administration that brings about 'visible change.'"
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