Ministry of the Interior and Safety Allocates 20 Billion Won in Special Grants for Maintenance of Illegal Facilities on Rivers and Valleys

To Be Used for On-Site Investigations and Surveying
Additional Support Under Review Through Cooperation with Relevant Agencies

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on May 18 that it will provide a special disaster and safety grant of 20 billion won to 17 provinces and metropolitan cities across the country for the maintenance of illegal facilities on rivers and valleys.

This support is a measure taken in consideration of the difficulties local governments face in verifying vast amounts of national spatial information, such as satellite and aerial photographs, and in investigating illegalities on-site. The funds will be used for on-site investigations and surveying to enable the prompt maintenance of illegal facilities.

Inspection of illegal facility encroachments in rivers and valleys. Photo by The Asia Business Daily

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety plans to review additional support measures, such as securing separate budgets in cooperation with relevant agencies, for areas where maintenance of nearby amenities and public facilities is required so that citizens can use rivers and valleys safely and conveniently. In addition, illegal facilities for private gain will be strictly rectified. The ministry will also operate the 'Rivers and Valleys Illegal Facility Maintenance Support Group' and regional task forces to develop reasonable maintenance standards.

Previously, the ministry confirmed a total of 72,658 cases of illegal facilities on rivers and valleys nationwide. In response, it launched the 'Rivers and Valleys Illegal Facility Maintenance Support Group' and decided to establish a comprehensive support system, including institutional improvements and legal revisions.

The support group will establish and manage plans for the maintenance of illegal facilities. Illegal business activities that monopolize public assets, harm the public, and unjustly generate profit will be rectified by the end of June. However, before forcibly demolishing illegal facilities, the government will run a voluntary reporting and maintenance guidance period for illegal facilities on rivers and valleys from May 20 to June 30 to encourage public participation.

Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Hojoong stated, "Rivers and valleys are public assets that no one can monopolize," and added, "The government will take responsible action to maintain illegal facilities so that we can return clean and safe rivers and valleys to all citizens."

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