Hwang Suk-kyung, Michuhol District Councillor: “The bollards blocking disabled access, who are they installed for?”

Hwang Suk-kyung, a councillor from Michuhol District (People Power Party, proportional representation), strongly urged for the maintenance of unreasonable street facilities that obstruct the movement of vulnerable pedestrians and thorough management of public facilities to save budget.

During the report of the Welfare and Construction Committee at the 293rd extraordinary session held on the 29th, Councillor Hwang sharply pointed out the flaws in the pedestrian environment by presenting on-site photos taken by herself.

Using the sidewalk in front of a local restaurant as an example, she criticised, “There is a bollard (a post to prevent vehicle access) right in front of the ramp designed for disabled individuals or strollers,” adding, “This directly infringes on the mobility rights of vulnerable pedestrians.” She further urged careful attention in the work environment by saying, “Imagine walking this path as a visually impaired person.”

In response, a district official stated, “After a comprehensive survey of over 3,300 bollards in the district, we identified around 380 that require maintenance,” and added, “We plan to focus on maintenance this year within the budgetary limits.”

Suggestions regarding facility management and park development also followed. Councillor Hwang praised the street work in Dohwa 3-dong and the Seokbawi Circular Park but stressed the importance of post-management.

She stated, “Replacing a 15 million won pergola after seven years is due to a lack of regular cleaning and oiling,” and emphasised, “If the newly established 100 million won children’s forest deck is oiled just once a year, its lifespan can be significantly extended.” She also urged that user convenience should be the top priority for new projects like the Subong Water Play Park, including the management of food waste during summer and restroom facilities.

Additionally, Councillor Hwang checked the appropriateness of the criteria for designating senior protection zones (Silver Zones) in line with the increasing elderly population and confirmed the status of the initiative to open the parking lot attached to the Incheon District Court. The district stated, “We are pushing for the final agreement in line with the change of the court president in February, aiming for opening within the first half of the year.”

Finally, regarding the narrow sidewalks where it is difficult to install bus shelters, Councillor Hwang requested, “Instead of spending excessively on installing reverse shelters, please come up with practical and cost-effective ideas such as installing windbreaks for winter,” urging for practical administration.