Baek Jong-han, Gwangju Seo-gu Council Member, Improves Pungam Lake Water Quality Reflecting Residents' Opinions

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shin Dong-ho] Baek Jong-han, a member of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Seo-gu Council, emphasized the need to actively reflect the opinions of local residents regarding the water quality improvement of Pungam Lake.

On the 29th, Councilor Baek announced that he made this proposal to the Gwangju City side through a 5-minute free speech at the 1st plenary session of the 309th extraordinary meeting.

Councilor Baek urged, “In recent years, Gwangju City and Seo-gu Office formed a T/F team for improving the water quality of Pungam Lake and collected opinions, but residents’ opinions were not sufficiently reflected. A plan that residents can accept must be presented.”

He continued, “Gwangju City is prioritizing cost and convenience aspects as measures to improve the water quality of Pungam Lake. Regarding the water quality issue of Pungam Lake, various opinions from stakeholders, experts, and local residents should be reflected to find a slow but sustainable alternative.”

He also said, “The water quality improvement plan through partial reclamation by the Pungam Lake water quality improvement T/F team highlights the aspect of reducing the administrative burden on the authorities.”

He added, “We should learn from precedents such as the reclamation of Gyeongyang Bangjuk and the covering project of Donggye Stream. The administrative authorities must break away from short-sighted and administratively convenient ideas about local issues and support the sufficient reflection of residents’ opinions.”

Meanwhile, the developer applied for permission to develop and use groundwater in Central Park District 1 to Seo-gu Office before the residents’ consultative body’s opinions were even presented, but withdrew the application due to residents’ opposition.

Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shin Dong-ho bless4ya@asiae.co.kr

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