Lee Cheol, Vice Chair of Jeonnam Provincial Assembly: "Urgent Need for Connecting Bridges in Wando"

"Protecting the Lives of Island Residents...
Improving Transportation Infrastructure"

Lee Cheol, Vice Chair of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly (Democratic Party of Korea, Wando District 1), strongly highlighted the poor transportation infrastructure in the island regions of Wando during the 393rd extraordinary session of the provincial assembly held on September 17, emphasizing the urgent need for the construction of bridges connecting the islands and the mainland, which are essential for the safety and daily lives of island residents.

Vice Chair Lee stated, "Transportation inconveniences have become a daily reality for residents of Wando's islands," adding, "In particular, when passenger ferry services are suspended due to adverse weather conditions, the golden hour for emergency patients can be missed, putting lives at risk."

Lee Cheol, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member.

He stressed that the construction of connecting bridges is absolutely necessary to address these issues. Vice Chair Lee has consistently called for the elevation of the Sohan Gudo-Sohan connecting bridge and the Yaksan-Geumil connecting bridge to provincial and national road status.

He also expressed his gratitude to the relevant public officials for their hard work, but emphasized that "continuous administrative and financial support from the government is essential to ensure these projects proceed without delay."

Additionally, he presented a vision to connect Nohwado, Soando, and Bogildo as one, and announced a plan to link Seoneopdo, Neopdo, Norokdo, Nohwado, Hoenggando, and Wando-eup through a route change of National Road No. 13 in Wando-eup. He argued, "If upgrading to a national road is difficult, the route should at least be designated as a provincial road to allow for budget allocation and to establish an institutional foundation."

Vice Chair Lee also mentioned the extension of Provincial Road No. 806, which would connect Daemodo in Cheongsan-myeon, Cheongsan-myeon, Saengil-myeon, and Geumil-eup, stating, "If this section is connected, it will give hope for bridge construction to the residents of Cheongsando and Saengil-myeon," and emphasized, "Even if it requires the use of provincial funds, the construction of the connecting bridge must be pursued."

He particularly pointed out, "The reality of being marginalized simply because one lives on an island is something people on the mainland can hardly imagine," adding, "If the connecting bridges link the islands of Wando together and connect them to the mainland, it will not only resolve residents' complaints but also provide an opportunity for the region to become a world-class marine tourism destination through the completion of the 'Diamond Archipelago' in the southern coastal area."

In response, Kim Yungrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, stated, "The Sohan-Gudo connecting bridge is being continuously promoted to ensure construction is completed within the planned period," and added, "We are making every effort to pass the preliminary feasibility study and have the Yaksan-Geumil connecting bridge reflected in the national plan."

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