"Gwangju Stream Deep Tunnel Lacks Effectiveness... Halt the Project Immediately"

Gwangju Environmental Conference: "Unrelated to Flooding... Concern Over 700 Billion Won Wasted"
"Decentralized Measures Needed... Water Circulation System Must Change"
"Project Pushed Without Public Discussion... Lacks Legitimacy"

On August 7, the Gwangju Environmental Conference issued a statement urging the complete halt of the "Gwangju Stream Deep Rainwater Tunnel" project currently being promoted by the Ministry of Environment, citing a lack of effectiveness. They stated, "While it is necessary to prepare countermeasures in the face of recurring flood damage caused by the climate crisis, the current plan cannot serve as a fundamental solution for disaster prevention."

On the afternoon of the 17th, when a heavy rain advisory was in effect, muddy water was surging in Gwangju Stream near Yangdong, Seo-gu, Gwangju. Provided by Seo-gu, Yonhap News Agency

This tunnel, which is to be constructed 40 to 50 meters underground in the lower reaches of Gwangju Stream over a stretch of approximately 6 kilometers, is a national project with a budget of 700 billion won. The Environmental Conference pointed out, "Recent flooding damage has mainly occurred in Seobangcheon, Yongbongcheon, and near Sinan Bridge, but the deep tunnel only targets part of the main stream of Gwangju Stream," adding, "Since it is not connected to the affected areas, it is difficult to expect any substantial effect."

They further noted, "Due to the city's impervious urban areas and combined sewer system, Gwangju experiences sewage backflow and river water quality deterioration during heavy rainfall," and mentioned, "Retention facility projects in areas such as Usan District, Munheung Cathedral, and around Sinan Bridge are also being delayed." They argued, "As seen in the cases of Seoul and Busan, large-scale pipelines alone cannot prevent flooding."

The Environmental Conference stated, "The Taepyeonggyo movable weir, which Gwangju City installed in the past with 1.4 billion won in national funds, has become useless," and questioned, "Is it really possible to complete the deep tunnel, which will cost 700 billion won, within budget, and will it not encroach on other flood prevention budgets?" They also raised concerns about potential side effects such as maintenance costs, foul odors, and pollution.

Additionally, they emphasized, "It would be more sustainable to use the same budget to implement decentralized measures such as installing rainwater storage tanks in flood-prone areas, permeable pavement, and improving combined sewer pipes," and stressed, "A long-term strategy is needed to change the water circulation system throughout the city, including the creation of wetland-type retention basins and the restoration of covered streams."

The Environmental Conference concluded, "What matters more than how deep we dig is how we transform the entire city," and asserted, "Gwangju's response to the climate crisis must begin with spaces designed together with its citizens."

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