Mayor Kang Kijeong Inspects Stores Damaged by Water Pipe Leak in Kumho-dong

Merchants Demand Adequate Compensation
and Enhanced Safety Measures

Gwangju Mayor Kang Kijeong visited the site of the water pipe leak damage on Subway Line 2 in Geumho-dong, Seo-gu, on the morning of the 12th to inspect the restoration status. Provided by Gwangju City

On August 12, Gwangju Mayor Kang Kijeong visited the site of a recent water pipe leakage accident that occurred during the construction of Subway Line 2. He inspected the damage and discussed countermeasures and compensation plans with local merchants affected by the incident.

This accident occurred on July 31, when a joint of an aging 600mm-diameter water pipe became detached, resulting in damage to 12 nearby businesses. Mayor Kang visited both the construction site and the affected stores in turn to confirm the cause of the accident and assess the extent of the damage. He then held a meeting with merchants to listen to their difficulties and suggestions.

The merchants stated, "Our difficulties have been compounded by a drop in sales due to the subway construction, followed by this flooding accident." They requested: ▲ sufficient compensation for damages, ▲ prompt payment of compensation, and ▲ measures to address the narrowed passage in front of entrances caused by the subway construction.

One merchant at the meeting said, "We are told to endure the damage for the public good, but for those of us directly hit, there are limits. In particular, this water pipe leakage was a man-made disaster." The merchant added, "Insurance companies are offering small payouts citing depreciation, and the payment process takes about a year."

In response, Mayor Kang said, "The current legal compensation system does not fully reflect the realities faced by merchants." He added, "We will thoroughly review various ways to alleviate the difficulties of the merchants, even if only slightly."

Mayor Kang also ordered immediate action on issues that can be quickly addressed, such as widening the passageways and installing additional lighting, to resolve safety concerns and inconveniences reported by the merchants.

The meeting also included an explanation of the future construction schedule. Currently, to minimize damage to merchants, nighttime work is being carried out except for tasks such as relocating metropolitan cables, which can only be done during the day.

In addition, on August 11, the city conducted a joint investigation with the Waterworks Headquarters and external experts to determine the cause of the water pipe leakage accident. Based on the results of this consultation, the city plans to expedite the compensation process. At the same time, as a preventive measure against future accidents, including the possibility of joint detachment due to aging, the city is also considering replacing the old pipelines in the affected section.

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