'Regulations on water resources, natural environment conservation have hampered local development'
Gwangju Mayor Park Gwan-yeol visited the Han River Flood Control Office in Seoul on Wednesday and asked Kim Sung-hwan, minister of the Ministry of Climate, Environment and Energy, to pay closer attention to the city's key local issues and extend government support.
At the meeting, Park outlined the difficulties Gwangju faces due to a range of regulations tied to water resource and natural environment conservation, and called on the government to help resolve local issues and find mutually beneficial solutions.
He particularly asked the minister to minimize the burden Gwangju would bear in connection with the integrated water supply project for the Yongin semiconductor industrial complex, and to work out a cooperative arrangement for the city, which has been struggling under overlapping regulations.
Park also briefed the minister on other key local projects — including the construction of a park golf course in Gwangdong-ri, Toechon-myeon, and the development of a historical and cultural trail linking Namhansanseong and Cheonjin-am — and requested government cooperation and support for their smooth implementation.
"Gwangju has long endured various regulations to protect the Greater Seoul area's water supply sources and preserve the natural environment, but the resulting constraints on local development have been considerable," Park said. "We will continue to communicate with the government to ensure that Gwangju's position and the hardships of its residents are fully reflected in the pursuit of national projects."
Kim said he sympathized with Gwangju's situation under the various regulations and its local challenges, and pledged to actively cooperate in finding ways for the central government and local authorities to move forward together.
Meanwhile, the city plans to maintain ongoing dialogue and consultation with the central government to secure its attention and support for local issues, ease the regulatory burden on the region and develop solutions that improve residents' quality of life.
pjh@heraldcorp.com
