Kim Ikang, Mayor of Gwangju Seo-gu, Visits Hwajeong I-Park Accident Site in First Official Act

Published 05 Jul.2022 13:23(KST)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Shin Dong-ho] Kim Ikang, Mayor of Seo-gu, Gwangju, visited the Hwajeong I-Park collapse accident site on the 4th as his first action after taking office to address safety issues.

According to Seo-gu on the 5th, Mayor Kim expressed a strong determination to establish thorough safety measures and minimize citizens' damages by directly communicating with the site regarding the 'Hwajeong I-Park accident recovery and damage support.'

At the inauguration ceremony on the 1st, he said, "Nothing is more important than protecting citizens' lives and property from various accidents," and added, "I will restore trust in administration through on-site communication and make Seo-gu the 'Safety First District.'

On that day, Mayor Kim received a report from a Hyundai Development Company official on the recovery status and future plans of the collapse accident, and personally inspected the surroundings and interior of Building 201, where stabilization work is underway before demolition.

He then emphasized again to Hyundai Development Company, "Although it will take a long time from stabilization work to full demolition and reconstruction, I will not allow any margin of error or exceptions when it comes to safety directly related to citizens' lives," urging thorough safety measures.

Mayor Kim held a meeting with about 20 merchants from the Damage Countermeasure Committee of nearby stores at the accident site to listen to their difficulties, damage situations, and requests to the district office.

At the meeting, he promised, "I will take the lead in strengthening on-site communication and make every effort for prompt accident recovery and damage support," and added, "We will create a 'Trust City Seo-gu' with administration that approaches residents who had no place to rely on or complain to and only worried their hearts."