South Korean President Lee Myung-bak’s US$20 billion effort to dredge, dam and beautify four major rivers is riddled with flaws that could cost a fortune to maintain, South Korea’s state auditor said yesterday.
Revitalizing the Han, Nakdong, Geum and Yeongsan rivers was the centerpiece of the outgoing president’s “Green New Deal,” a bold plan to create jobs after the 2008 global downturn.
Started in 2009, the 22.2 trillion won (US$20.1 billion) project involved the construction of 16 weirs and dams along the four rivers that were straightened and dredged to improve water quality and prevent flooding.
However, a report by the South Korean Board of Audit and Inspection suggested the three-year effort had fallen far short.
‘FAULTY DESIGNS’
“Due to faulty designs, 11 out of 16 dams lack sturdiness, water quality is feared to deteriorate ... and excessive maintenance costs will be required,” the report said.
Silting would require another round of dredging at an estimated cost of 289 billion won, it said.
TIMETABLES
Driven by tight timetables, work was pushed through without proper inspection and the river bed protection of 15 dams has partially subsided or been washed away.
“Preparations were not thorough, while the construction period was too short,” the board’s Construction and Environment Bureau director, Yu In-jae, said.
As water became stagnant behind the dams, the amount of organic pollutants surged above pre-construction levels, the report said.
The report urged comprehensive measures to bolster faulty structures, boost water quality and ensure proper maintenance.
JOB CREATION
The project had targeted the creation of 340,000 jobs and an economic boost of 40 trillion won, including the trickle-down effects of tourism.
A network of bicycle lanes was also constructed along the river banks, stretching more than 1,600km.
However, the project had its critics from the outset, with opposition parties and civic groups questioning its cost and environmental credentials.
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