Prime Minister demands objective probe of 4-river project
By Jun Ji-hye
Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik
Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik Tuesday suggested that an “objective investigation” should be conducted by his office into the four-river project amid growing controversy regarding the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI)’s critical report of the project.
“Through objective and professional investigation, we need to draw up measures to settle the issue and stabilize public unease on the matter,” Kim said during a Cabinet meeting at the Central Government Building, Seoul.
The prime minister said that public skepticism has intensified because the BAI and relevant ministries showed differences in opinions about President Lee Myung-bak’s signature project.
“We will have to actively correct drawbacks if the BAI pointed out the right things. If the investigation is needed, we will have to uncover the truth,” he said.
Kim served as chief of the BAI until the time of his appointment to the prime minister in September 2010.
Last Thursday, the BAI announced its second probe results of the project, saying the four-river project was a failure. It raised concerns that the incoming government might have to spend a large amount of money to fix all the problems.
The agency pointed out that the quality of water in the four rivers water ― the Han, Nakdong, Geum and Youngsan ― may have been worsened, while barrages lack durability. It also said that maintenance and administration fees are too high.
Such a stance is contrary to the results of its first probe announced in 2011. At the time, the BAI said the project was successful and that there was no risk of water pollution in the rivers.
Although many civic groups and opposition parties cast doubts on the project’s feasibility and brought up concerns about environmental damage, the BAI even added that the project would help overcome water shortages and drought.
Following the BAI’s shift on the position, ministers from Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs and Ministry of Environment held a joint press conference last Friday and refuted the BAI’s second report head-on.
Some raise allegations of the BAI’s attempts to take the side of President-elect Park Geun-hye because she is moving to Cheong Wa Dae in a month.
As the criticism grew, the BAI stressed that its probe results are not politically motivated.
The BAI has come under criticism for having concluded the investigation though it remained mute over the issue during the past five years.
Critics said the BAI was attempting to clear the incoming government of any burdens arising from the dispute over the four-river project.