[Exclusive] Controversy Over 'Additional Demolition Work' During Hamyang County Public Parking Lot Construction

Construction Proceeds Without Design Change
Dispute Over Additional Costs Between County and Contractor

It has come to light that during the public parking lot construction project currently being promoted by Hamyang County, South Gyeongsang Province, additional demolition work was carried out without following the official design change procedures, despite the occurrence of extra demolition requirements. This has sparked controversy.

In particular, the dispute over who should bear the additional construction costs has escalated into a blame game between Hamyang County and the construction contractor.

The project in question involves the creation of a public parking lot in Hamyang-eup. Additional demolition of structures and waste disposal, which were not included in the original design, became necessary at the site.

Aerial view of Hamyang County Office.

The construction contractor claims, "The additional demolition was unavoidable due to on-site conditions, and the client was aware of this as the work proceeded," adding, "Payment for the legitimate additional construction costs is required."

On the other hand, Hamyang County maintains, "There is no legal basis to pay additional costs for work carried out without approval for a design change." The county argues that the demolition work in question was either included in the original contract scope or was carried out unilaterally by the contractor without prior consultation, making it difficult to approve payment.

In this process, the failure to implement design changes and possible negligence in construction oversight and supervision have also come under scrutiny. According to the Local Contract Act and related guidelines, any change in design quantities or expansion of the construction scope requires prior design modification and contract amount adjustment procedures. Proceeding with construction without these steps can result in administrative flaws and issues with the appropriateness of budget execution.

A local construction industry official commented, "It is common for additional work to arise due to changes in on-site conditions, but if both the client and the contractor fail to follow procedures, disputes are inevitable," adding, "Ultimately, the responsibility is likely to fall on administrative mismanagement."

Some observers have criticized the situation, noting, "Even in a community-focused project like a public parking lot, basic construction management principles were not followed," and arguing, "Beyond the dispute over additional construction costs, this case undermines trust in the administration as a whole."

It is reported that Hamyang County is currently reviewing the relevant contract documents and construction details, while the contractor is considering legal action if the additional construction costs are not recognized.

If the controversy continues, there are concerns that not only could the project be delayed, but it could also lead to increased financial burdens for the county and further debates over administrative responsibility.