By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter
President Lee Myung-bak instructed officials Tuesday to take ``fundamental'' measures to reduce damage from a drought, saying it was time for the administration to secure enough water resources and improve water quality.
Korea may suffer severe water shortage problems in a few years unless the government works with a sense of urgency now, Lee said.
The President made the remarks during a visit to Gangneung, Gangwon Province, where he inspected industries and discussed measures to help farmers fight drought.
``Korea is not prepared at all for a water shortage. The problem is not shared among ordinary people. It is urgent to raise public awareness about it,'' Lee said. ``We could suffer a water shortage crisis as early as 2015, if we don't take action now.''
The Lee administration plans to invest 14 trillion won over the next four years in refurbishing four major rivers around the country, reducing disaster risks by building embankments and water treatment facilities.
Critics have said the venture may cause an environmental disaster, but Lee believes it will create jobs and help enhance economic growth potential.
During a policy briefing at Gangneung City Hall, President Lee proposed a project to build a ``city of green growth'' in the province, Cheong Wa Dae spokeswoman Kim Eun-hye said.
``Advanced countries are already engaging in fierce competition to develop green technologies as part of efforts to fight climate change,'' Lee was quoted as saying. ``Gangwon Province is famous for its natural beauty and has optimal conditions to become a model for green growth.''
Commenting on the domestic economy, Lee said his administration will work with provincial governments to spur the sagging economy.
``The global economic downturn is expected to continue this year, forcing firms to reduce exports and creating additional downside risks for South Korea, which is heavily dependent on trade for economic growth,'' Lee said ``We believe policies expanding fiscal expenditure, maintaining low interest rates and taking preemptive economic measures will spur domestic demand.
jj@koreatimes.co.kr
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