Yeosu-si Integrated Memorial Tower Construction Halted by Council

Full 22 Million Won Basic Design Service Fee for Integrated Hyeonchungtap Construction Fully Cut by the Assembly

[Yeosu=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Sim Kyung-taek] Since the integration of the three Yeosu districts, the plan to unify the two separate Memorial Towers, which had been divided between Jasan Park and Seonwon-dong for 23 years due to the failure to reach an agreement on the location of the integrated Memorial Tower among the eight veterans' organizations, has been halted by the Yeosu City Council.

Last June, when the heads of the veterans' organizations requested the construction of an integrated Memorial Tower in Yi Sun-sin Park, Yeosu City proceeded with the related procedures to reflect the budget and submitted the third supplementary budget for the 212th Yeosu City Council temporary session. However, on the 20th, the Budget and Accounts Committee cut the entire budget, citing the need for further review of the project.

On the 21st, the heads of the organizations, including Jeong Il-rang, president of the Association of Meritorious Veterans, strongly urged the council during a protest visit to reinstate the cut Memorial Tower service budget in the plenary session.

After discussions in the relevant standing committee, the Environment and Welfare Committee (Chairperson Jeong Hyun-joo) approved the Memorial Tower budget, but it was cut again by the Budget and Accounts Committee, leading to increased complaints from the veterans' organizations. In response, Chairperson Jeong Hyun-joo proposed a revised supplementary budget amendment, which was submitted to the plenary session on the 22nd but was rejected with 11 votes in favor, 12 against, and 1 abstention.

Meanwhile, Yeosu City manages two Memorial Towers, one in Jasan Park and the other in Seonwon-dong, and holds Memorial Day ceremonies at both locations annually. Due to difficulties such as poor accessibility, cramped spaces, and inability for vehicles to enter, the city has been promoting the construction of an integrated Memorial Tower with a total floor area of 4,500㎡ within Yi Sun-sin Park, following the opinions of national veterans and heads of veterans' organizations.

Yeosu=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Sim Kyung-taek simkt7@asiae.co.kr

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