Chungnam, Precise Inspection and Facility Reinforcement of Aging Reservoirs for Disaster Prevention

[Asia Economy (Hongseong) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] Chungnam Province is set to conduct detailed inspections and facility reinforcements on aging reservoirs within its jurisdiction. This initiative aims to prevent reservoir collapse accidents that occur annually during the monsoon season.

According to the province on the 5th, there are a total of 673 small-scale reservoirs managed by 15 cities and counties in the area, of which 523 (77.7%) are classified as aging reservoirs that have been constructed over 50 years ago.

Among these, 26 reservoirs rated D and E for safety, which require repairs and reinforcements, continue to experience collapse accidents during the rainy season. However, due to financial constraints and a lack of specialized personnel in the cities and counties, safety management remains vulnerable.

Accordingly, the province has designated strengthening the safety of aging risky reservoirs as a key project of the 8th local government administration, planning to start detailed inspections in the second half of this year and proceed with mid- to long-term facility reinforcement projects.

First, this month, a dedicated task force (TF) for preliminary inspections and safety enhancement of aging risky reservoirs will be operated to select targets for detailed inspections. The detailed inspections will be conducted within this year, with reinforcement projects for aging risky reservoirs scheduled to commence in the first half of next year, according to the province’s plan.

To ensure smooth project implementation, on the 31st of last month, the province held a consultation meeting at the provincial office with the Korea Rural Community Corporation (Safety Diagnosis Headquarters 119 Safety Center), city and county officials, and others to discuss reservoir safety inspections, practical guidelines, and safety management directions.

Nam Sang-hoon, Director of the Agricultural Policy Division of the province, stated, “We will take proactive preventive measures for aging risky reservoirs that are in safety blind spots to protect the lives and property of residents.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.