News on : K-water Webzine : 2024 December Vol.681

01 Construction of Wonjucheon Dam, the first locally initiated dam, completed

Construction of Wonjucheon Dam was completed on October 31. The dam marks a major step in proactively responding to climate change and making collective efforts to improve the safety of the local community as a product of win-win collaboration among the central government, local government, and local residents. As the first dam whose construction was initiated by the local community, Wonjucheon Dam was built in Shinchon-ri and Gwangseol-dong in Panbumyeon, Wonju City with storage capacity of approximately 1.8 million tons and flood control capacity of around 1.74 million tons.
K-water applied a smart flood prevention system—the latest flood control technology—to the design and construction of Wonjucheon Dam. This technology is expected to help consistently control water levels by effectively storing and discharging rainwaters according to the changing weather conditions; thus preventing the flooding of cities and farming areas in a timely manner. The eco-friendly design and construction have kept the ecosystem intact. A futsal court, several walking trails, a pet park, and an outdoor performing stage will be created in the downstream area, which will be used as a tourist location and a leisure activity zone.

02 K-water, Water Authority of Fiji sign MOU for cooperation in water management

K-water and Water Authority of Fiji signed an MOU in Suva, the capital of Fiji, on November 6 to expand cooperation in water resources management and infrastructure development. Prior to the MOU, K-water also secured state-level support from the Fiji government to address the country’s water problems.
Initiated at the request of the Water Authority of Fiji via the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the MOU focuses on ways to increase cooperation involving technological expertise, work together for water resources management sustainability solutions, and promote exchanges and development of human resources. Previously, the Water Authority of Fiji asked K-water for technology transfer including SWNM to cope with water shortages resulting from excessive water leaks caused by old water pipes and growing populations in tourist areas. In response, K-water is planning to carry out on-site technical diagnosis and human resources development programs in Fiji to work out fundamental solutions to water problems facing the country.

03 Giving back to the community

In the season of kimjang, K-water employees volunteered to make kimchi to be donated to financially disadvantaged members of the local community at the Share Kimchi, Stay Warm event at its Daejeon headquarters. The volunteer event held to make kimchi for donation to members of the local community who are in need was joined by K-water president Yun Seog-dae, labor union leader Park Ki-chan, and over 100 volunteers from the K-water volunteer group “Share the Love for Water.” The kimchi made at the event using 2,000 heads of napa cabbage was delivered to more than 600 households in Daejeon. In addition, K-water donated over 1,800 units of AI care device designed to help take care of single-household residents on a non-contact basis, and they have been delivered to 34 social welfare centers in Daejeon. Useful functions of the device including video call allow care providers to educate target residents, offer healthcare services, and create a social network to prevent them from becoming socially isolated.

04 K-water, National Fire Agency Agree to Cooperate More Closely

K-water and National Fire Agency (NFA) signed an MOU November 19, with the two parties agreeing to create a joint disaster management system. As the operator of 55 critical national infrastructure facilities including dams and water purification plants, K-water will provide prompt cooperation and support in times of emergencies including fire and rescue operations and improve its proactive response ability including greater stability in facility operations, in response to NFA’s major campaign to strengthen disaster response across the country. According to the MOU, K-water plans to share information with NFA on locations where water can be taken for early fire suppression and manpower and equipment for rescue operations, support the agency’s national fire prevention campaigns, and provide drinking water for firefighters.

05 K-water, KAI agree to work together on satellite-based technology development and exports

K-water and Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. signed an MOU on November 20 for the development of global leading satellite technology. The cooperation under the MOU is part of the Ministry of Environment project to build a ground operation system for water resources satellites. The project was launched to develop a water resources satellite and its operating system, and to enhance the global profile of Korea’s water industry through successful development and satellite-based technology exports. Under the MOU, the two organizations plan to develop a satellite-based water resources management platform that is expected to be used in the public sector as well as to lay the foundation for exports in the climate change response market. Working together on global business expansion, these organizations are expected to create synergistic effects in creating global demand and raising the profile of Korea’s water management technology in the global market.

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