Jung Ye-ji, Bupyeong District Councillor: "With 20,000 Storm Drains, There Should Be No Compromise on Flood Prevention Despite Staff Shortages"

Jung Ye-ji, a councillor from Incheon Bupyeong District (Democratic Party of Korea·Proportional), has encouraged the department's proactive efforts to improve the pedestrian environment along roads while inspecting the management system of storm drains to prevent habitual flooding during the summer.

During the third meeting of the 274th Bupyeong District Council's temporary session held on January 30, Jung Ye-ji first expressed her gratitude for the handling of daily complaints, such as weed removal along roadsides.

She stated, "I reported that the sidewalk near the Family Park was overgrown with weeds, making it inconvenient for pedestrians, and I heard that despite being the off-season with no public workers available, the department's staff took the initiative to use brush cutters to tidy it up," praising the department's swift response.

The Road Department responded, "During the gap in the public work project, four public workers are directly carrying out weed removal to minimise inconvenience for residents."

Jung also inquired about the management status of the 23,000 storm drains (stormwater inlets) within Bupyeong District.

She remarked, "The accumulation of cigarette butts and foreign substances in storm drains is a major cause of drainage blockage during heavy rain," and emphasised, "Currently, with only four dredging workers and five public workers, a total of nine personnel managing over 20,000 facilities presents significant practical challenges, but proactive management should be implemented through concentrated inspections before the rainy season to ensure 'water drains in 10 minutes.'"

In particular, she stressed, "We must not forget the case last year where opening the storm drains between Bupyeong District Office Station and Galsan Station prevented flooding," and urged, "Civilians should also be prepared to respond in emergencies by ensuring thorough removal of foreign substances and management of covers at all times."

Jung also requested continued attention to the 'storm drain sticker' project she proposed and is currently implementing. She noted, "Upon checking, the produced and affixed stickers are well maintained and have a significant visual impact," and suggested, "Within the budgetary limits, the project should be expanded to areas at risk of flooding that have not yet been affixed to raise residents' awareness."

Concluding her inquiries, she urged, "Road administration directly related to residents' lives can be demanding due to numerous complaints, but please continue to strive for a safe pedestrian environment and a flood-free Bupyeong."