Wando-gun Promotes Submarine Pipeline Installation Project in Nohwa and Bogil Islands

Published 30 Aug.2022 09:33(KST)

Plan to Supply Water Through 31.1km Subsea Pipeline with 43.3 Billion Investment

Wando County Governor Shin Woo-cheol and Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok visited Nohwa and Bogil, which are experiencing severe drought, on the 4th for an on-site inspection. (Photo by Wando County)

[Wando=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil] On the 30th, Jeonnam Wando-gun announced that it is promoting an underwater pipeline installation project to supply a wide-area water supply system for the residents of Nohwa and Bogil, who suffer from severe water shortages every year.

The population of Nohwa and Bogil is 7,889, and since March, they have been experiencing water shortages with water supplied for 2 days and cut off for 8 days.

Even this supply will only be possible until the 13th of next month if it does not rain, putting them in a situation where they may not be able to spend the Chuseok holiday comfortably.

The county is investing 5.4 billion won to install an underground water reservoir dam under Bogil Buhwangje, but if the drought continues long-term, groundwater will also be depleted, causing the underground water reservoir to lose its function, so supplying wide-area water sources through underwater pipelines is urgent.

The county plans to proceed with the underground water reservoir installation project as scheduled and, with the support of Jeonnam Province, conduct feasibility studies and detailed designs from next year to start the underwater pipeline project early.

The underwater pipeline project will invest 43.3 billion won to install a total length of 31.1 km, including 21.9 km on land and 9.2 km underwater. Once completed, it is expected to solve the water shortage problems of residents in Nohwa, Bogil, Neopdo, Baegildo, Heugildo, and Masakdo.

In addition, the county plans to draw water for daily use from all water sources in the area in preparation for the dry season after the drought continues and summer passes.

They will also secure additional contingency funds for drought measures to increase the number of water supply vehicles and the frequency of iron barge operations to support smooth supply of daily water.

A county official said, “We will make every effort to prepare more long-term and fundamental measures, such as supplying a wide-area water supply system, so that the precious living grounds of island residents are not devastated due to water shortages, which are basic survival resources for people.”