"Frequent Flooding" ... Major Overhaul of Facilities in Flood-Prone Areas of Jeollanam-do

Seven Locations Including Naju Designated as Priority Sewer Maintenance Areas
2.067 Billion Won Allocated for Sewer Pipeline Upgrades and More
Urban Flood Response Projects to Be Implemented in Stages to Minimize Flood Damage

The scene of Sanpo-myeon, Naju City, which suffered flood damage due to heavy rain this summer. Provided by Jeollanam-do Province

Jeollanam-do Province announced that seven districts in five cities and counties, including Naju, have been designated as "priority management areas for sewer maintenance" by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, securing a total project budget of 206.7 billion won.

With this designation, a total of 124 billion won in national funding and 82.7 billion won in local funding will be concentrated in these areas. The funds will be used to sequentially implement urban flood response projects such as sewer pipeline maintenance, installation of stormwater retention facilities and pumping stations, and expansion of stormwater inlets.

On October 30, the ministry newly designated 17 locations nationwide as "priority management areas for sewer maintenance." This system targets areas that repeatedly suffer flood damage, accepting applications from local governments and making final selections through an on-site inspection by a selection committee. Once designated, up to 60% of the required national funding for urban flood response projects is provided.

Jeollanam-do Province, in cooperation with the relevant cities and counties, actively responded to the government’s call for applications by continuously recommending the designation of Naju City (Sanpo-myeon and Geumcheon-myeon), Damyang County (Goseo-myeon), Gangjin County (Gangjin-eup), Jangseong County (Jangseong-eup and Seosan-myeon), and Muan County (Muan-eup), all of which experienced frequent flooding due to record-breaking heavy rains in July and August this year. As a result, all seven districts were selected.

As of this year, a total of 34 districts in Jeollanam-do Province have been designated as priority management areas for sewer maintenance, with a total project budget of 568.2 billion won invested. Projects have been completed in 12 districts, preventing flooding, while construction is underway in 14 districts. Eight districts are currently undergoing preliminary administrative procedures and detailed design.

Kim Jeongseop, Director of the Environment and Forestry Bureau of Jeollanam-do Province, stated, "As extreme rainfall events caused by climate change are making urban flooding more frequent, Jeollanam-do Province has closely coordinated with cities and counties to respond to the ministry’s calls for applications in order to overcome flood damage." He emphasized, "We will continue to do our utmost to protect the lives and property of our residents by expanding the designation of priority management areas focusing on flood-prone regions and by strengthening flood response projects."