16 billion won to be invested from 2027 to 2031
Paju announced Tuesday that its "Bongam Natural Disaster Risk Improvement District Maintenance Project," aimed at reducing chronic flood damage in the Bongam-ri area of Paju-eup, has been selected as a new site for the Ministry of Interior and Safety's 2027 disaster-risk area improvement program.
Under the selection, the city plans to invest a total of 16 billion won ($11.9 million) — 8 billion won in national funds, 4 billion won in provincial funds and 4 billion won in city funds — between 2027 and 2031 to improve drainage capacity, including the construction of a new drainage pump station.
Once completed, the project is expected to enable smoother forced drainage during heavy downpours, significantly reducing the flood risk in the Bongam-ri area and helping protect residents' lives and property.
Kim Su-tae, head of the city's safety management division, said the selection "lays the groundwork for eliminating the flood risk in the Bongam-ri area." He added that the city would "do its utmost to carry out design work and administrative procedures without delay, so that residents can feel the tangible benefits of this disaster-prevention project."
Meanwhile, the Bongam-ri area sits on low-lying ground below the planned flood level of the Galgok Stream, leaving its existing drainage pump stations and stormwater pipes with insufficient capacity — a situation that has made the area highly vulnerable to flooding during heavy rain.
In response, Paju designated a 3,206-square-meter zone centered on 520-24 Bongam-ri as a Class B natural disaster risk improvement district and has been pursuing a maintenance project to fundamentally address the area's flood risk.
pjh@heraldcorp.com
