Uijeongbu City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Donggeun) is recruiting members for its "Snow Removal Task Force" to minimize inconvenience for citizens caused by heavy snowfall during winter and to create a safe pedestrian environment.
The Snow Removal Task Force is a volunteer group of citizens that carries out snow removal activities in areas with frequent pedestrian traffic, such as welfare centers and around light rail stations, during heavy snowfall. Participation is open to individuals, families, and organizations alike, and the city expects this citizen participation to strengthen local safety.
This initiative is intended to supplement the city’s snow removal workforce and equipment during heavy snowfall. While the city will respond quickly to major roads and sidewalks, the Snow Removal Task Force will focus on alleyways and residential roads where it is difficult for administrative staff to respond immediately. Through this, the city aims to minimize gaps in snow removal and establish a comprehensive safety network.
The Snow Removal Task Force will be mobilized as needed whenever snow removal situations occur, and participants will receive requests via text alerts. Volunteers can borrow snow removal tools from their local community service centers (administrative welfare centers) to carry out their activities. By taking photos before, during, and after the snow removal and submitting an activity log, participants can receive volunteer credit. The activity can also be registered as a "Non-face-to-face Heart-Connecting" volunteer activity on the Volunteer Center website.
The city expects that operating the Snow Removal Task Force will help spread a citizen-led volunteer culture and establish a citizen-centered administrative system that can respond quickly even in heavy snow. In particular, direct citizen participation is expected to have positive effects on strengthening community spirit and fostering a culture of cooperation.
Citizens who wish to participate can apply by calling the Uijeongbu City Volunteer Center, and related information is also available on the city’s website.
An official from Uijeongbu City stated, "Although we are continuously operating a city-level response system to prepare for heavy snowfall, there are limitations in managing all areas immediately. We will supplement our response capabilities through citizen participation and work to create a safer winter pedestrian environment."
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