Pyeongchang-gun secured 35.8 billion won in national and provincial funds for the old water pipe network maintenance project and rural living water development project. Pyeongchang-gun announced that it had secured KRW 35.8 billion (KRW 11 billion from the Ministry of Environment’s national budget and KRW 24.8 billion from the provincial budget) out of the total project cost of KRW 52.1 billion for the ‘Aging Water Pipe Network Maintenance Project and Rural Living Water Development Project’.
The military plans to allocate 4.2 billion won, including 2.8 billion won in national and provincial subsidies, out of the project budget in 2025. Afterwards, 22.1 billion won will be invested in the old water pipe maintenance project by 2030, and 30 billion won will be invested in the rural living water development project by 2027.
With the project funds secured this time, the county will carry out a project to repair old water pipes, including repairing old material pipes, detecting leaks, and establishing a maintenance system, for three water supply areas around Pyeongchang-gun. We plan to carry out a residential water supply development project in Irwon.
Shim Jae-ho, head of the Pyeongchang-gun Waterworks and Sewerage Office, said, “With the national and provincial funds secured this time, we will do our best to promote the project to secure a stable water flow rate in Pyeongchang-gun and provide clean and safe water supply to residents.”
Meanwhile, Pyeongchang-gun announced that it will hold the ‘2024 Intergreen CnA Partnering’ event at the main auditorium of Seoul National University’s Pyeongchang Campus on the 13th.
This event was co-hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, and Pyeongchang-gun, and co-hosted by Seoul National University’s Green Bio Science and Technology Institute (GBST), the Natural Products Research Institute of the Gangneung Branch of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), and Gangwon Techno Park, a foundation.
About 150 officials, including Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Governor Kim Jin-tae, Pyeongchang Deputy Governor Hwang Seong-hyeon, Seoul National University Green Bio Science and Technology Research Institute Director Yang Tae-jin, and Korea Institute of Science and Technology Gangneung Branch Director Kim Joo-seon, along with 37 ventures and new companies (start-ups) and 14 partnering organizations. Companies participated.
This event, which is being held for the third time this year, includes ▲’Green Bio Industry Forum’ to share green bio industry and investment trends and discuss future growth plans, ▲’IR Pitching’ in which promising ventures and startups participate, ▲1: 1 ‘Green bio technology/investment/affiliate partnering’ through customized consultation was carried out as the main program. In particular, this year, various forms of exchange and cooperation took place, such as technology transfer, collaboration, and discovery of investment sites between investment companies, beyond the existing method of simply consulting between ventures, start-ups, and investors.
Hwang Seong-hyun, Deputy Governor of Pyeongchang, said, “Green bio is an industry that creates various added values and is a core field that the government is trying to foster as a next-generation growth industry, so it is a new growth business that will lead the future of Pyeongchang-gun.” He added, “Our county will serve as a catalyst for fostering a new green bio industry.” “We will provide full support to make this happen,” he said.
Economy Queen Reporter Choi Hana
How do investments in water management projects impact local economies and public health?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert in Water Management
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our segment! Today, we’re diving into an important topic regarding water infrastructure in Pyeongchang-gun. Joining us is Dr. Lee Sun-mi, an expert in water resource management. Dr. Lee, thank you for being here!
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this vital issue.
Editor: Pyeongchang-gun recently secured a substantial 35.8 billion won for their Aging Water Pipe Network Maintenance Project and Rural Living Water Development Project. What does this funding mean for the community?
Dr. Lee: It’s a significant step forward! The funding, especially with contributions from both the national and provincial budgets, demonstrates a commitment to improving water infrastructure. This investment will help address issues of aging pipelines, which can lead to leaks and inefficiencies. Ensuring a stable water supply is crucial for residents’ health and well-being.
Editor: Absolutely! Their total project cost is pegged at 52.1 billion won. Can you break down how this funding will be utilized?
Dr. Lee: Certainly! The breakdown indicates careful planning. The initial allocation of 4.2 billion won for 2025 is likely for immediate maintenance work, while the subsequent investments of 22.1 billion won by 2030 and another 30 billion won for rural development by 2027 reflect a long-term strategy. This multi-phase approach allows for systematic upgrades to ensure sustainability and efficiency in water supply.
Editor: It’s interesting to note the emphasis on repairing old water pipes and establishing a maintenance system. From your expertise, why is it critical to detect leaks and repair old pipes?
Dr. Lee: Leak detection is key because it helps prevent significant water loss, which can be both financially burdensome and environmentally harmful. Old pipes can harbor contaminants, compromising water quality. By investing in maintenance and repairs, Pyeongchang-gun is investing in public health and the environment, ensuring that residents have access to clean and safe water.
Editor: Shim Jae-ho, head of the Waterworks and Sewerage Office, emphasized providing a stable water flow and clean water supply. In your opinion, what are the broader implications of these projects for the community?
Dr. Lee: Beyond just water access, this initiative has broader socio-economic implications. Reliable water supply can enhance local agriculture, impact tourism positively, and even stimulate economic development through better infrastructure. It cultivates a community’s resilience to climate change challenges, particularly in rural areas where water scarcity can be an issue.
Editor: That’s a great point! Additionally, I read that Pyeongchang-gun will host the ‘2024 Intergreen CnA Partnering’ event. How do such events contribute to sustainability initiatives in local communities?
Dr. Lee: Events like these foster collaboration among various stakeholders, including government bodies, researchers, and the private sector. They create a platform for sharing knowledge, discussing innovative technologies, and establishing partnerships that can lead to further investments in sustainability practices. Engaging the community and local businesses is essential for the success of projects like the water management initiative.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for sharing your insights on this important topic. It seems clear that Pyeongchang-gun is setting an example for other regions, and this investment will yield benefits that extend far beyond just water access.
Dr. Lee: Thank you! I believe this initiative can indeed inspire other areas to prioritize their water systems and underline the importance of clean water for all.
Editor: Thank you to our viewers for tuning in. We hope you found this discussion insightful!