Goheung-gun will supply regional water supply to Udo Village, Namyang-myeon, an island region, starting in November. Goheung-gun (Governor Gong Young-min) announced that it plans to supply regional water to Udo Village, Namyang-myeon, which is not supplied with regional water supply, in November through the island area drinking water source development project.
Residents of the island area of Udo Village, Namyang-myeon (about 54 households/about 90 people) have been using the village’s own groundwater as a source of drinking water due to difficulties in supplying metropolitan and local water. However, there have been many inconveniences in using domestic water due to water shortages and salinity problems during droughts. Through this project, village groundwater was converted into regional water supply, allowing residents to use stable and clean tap water.
The Namyang Udo Island area drinking water source development project invested a total project cost of KRW 4 billion to complete the maintenance of 1.34 km of floating pipes, 4.3 km of onshore pipes, and 1 drainage basin. Currently, work is underway to improve the internal water supply pipes for households in Udo Village.
An official from the Waterworks and Sewerage Office said, “As soon as the maintenance of the domestic water supply pipes in Udo Village is completed, we will conduct a regional water test test and supply stable and clean regional water to the residents of Namyang Udo Island who have been struggling with drinking water problems as soon as possible.” He said.
Meanwhile, Goheung-gun announced on the 30th that it signed a business agreement with Kakao Makers at the county office to expand sales channels for excellent agricultural and marine products produced within the district.
The county announced that under this agreement, consumers will be supplied with low-cost, high-quality agricultural and marine products by utilizing the various channels owned by Kakao, and producers will be able to sell them at the right price without the burden of inventory.
In particular, the ‘Zega Birch Project’, which sells agricultural and marine products expected to be overproduced at the right price, is expected to reduce the inventory burden on producers and greatly help stabilize prices.
In addition, Kakao Makers decided to cooperate in supporting the marketing of producers who have good ideas to expand the distribution network of Goheung agricultural and marine products, but have had difficulty obtaining sales opportunities.
County Governor Gong Young-min said, “Through this agreement, we have laid the foundation for coexistence that can satisfy both producers and consumers, as well as the development of online sales channels,” and added, “We will continue to work closely with Kakao Makers to ensure that Goheung agricultural and marine products are sold stably.” “I will do my best,” he said.
Kim Jeong-min, product leader of Kakao Makers, said, “Goheung is a competitive region where excellent agricultural and marine products such as yuzu, seaweed, and onions are produced nationwide,” and added, “We are happy to have the opportunity to grow together through our valuable relationship with Goheung-gun in the future.”
Economy Queen Reporter Hana Choi Photo: Goheung-gun
.
Interview Transcript: Time.news Editor and Water Supply Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Hwang Ji-soo, an expert in water resource management and environmental sustainability. We’re here to discuss an exciting new project in Goheung-gun that will impact the residents of Udo Village. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Hwang.
Dr. Hwang: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share insights on this critical project.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Goheung-gun is set to supply regional water to Udo Village, which has faced challenges with its current groundwater supply. Can you give us a bit of context on the importance of this project?
Dr. Hwang: Absolutely. Udo Village, with roughly 54 households, has been relying on local groundwater for drinking water. However, this isn’t ideal, especially during droughts when water shortages and salinity issues occur. Transitioning to a regional water supply means residents will have reliable access to clean and stable tap water, which is crucial for their health and well-being.
Editor: That’s a significant improvement. The project reportedly has a total cost of KRW 4 billion and includes the installation of updated infrastructure like floating and onshore pipes. How do these technical components play into ensuring a successful water supply?
Dr. Hwang: The infrastructure is critical. The maintenance of 1.34 km of floating pipes and 4.3 km of onshore pipes, as well as the drainage basin, will create a robust system to transport water efficiently. This kind of investment ensures that the water supply is not only safe but also able to withstand environmental challenges over time.
Editor: It sounds like a comprehensive approach. With the internal water supply pipes for households currently being improved, when exactly can residents expect the regional water to flow?
Dr. Hwang: Once the maintenance of these pipes is completed, the Waterworks and Sewerage Office will conduct testing to ensure everything is functioning properly. They aim to initiate the regional water supply as soon as the tests are satisfactory, which is great news for the residents who’ve long struggled with inconsistent water quality.
Editor: This project is a great step forward for Udo Village. Besides water supply, I noticed that Goheung-gun has also signed a business agreement with Kakao Makers to expand sales channels for agricultural and marine products. What significance does this have for the local economy?
Dr. Hwang: This partnership is critical for the local agricultural and marine sectors. Expanding sales channels helps local producers reach more customers, thereby boosting their income and promoting the unique products of the area. This can lead to a more sustainable economy for the community as a whole, especially when combined with improvements in infrastructure like the water supply.
Editor: In your opinion, what lessons can other regions learn from Goheung-gun’s initiative in Udo Village?
Dr. Hwang: There are a few key takeaways. First, a well-planned infrastructure investment can drastically improve living conditions in isolated and vulnerable communities. Second, collaboration between local governments and private companies can produce multifaceted benefits — not just in one area, but across economic and social dimensions. Lastly, sustainability and resource management must go hand-in-hand to ensure long-lasting positive impacts for future generations.
Editor: Those are invaluable insights, Dr. Hwang. Thank you for taking the time to share your expertise with us today on this important initiative. We look forward to seeing the positive changes in Udo Village.
Dr. Hwang: Thank you for having me. I’m hopeful for the future of Udo Village and other similar communities!