4-river project a failure: audit

An audit of President Lee Myung-bak’s signature four-river project found it was poorly executed and that as a result water quality of the rivers may have been worsened.

Unveiling the results of its investigation Thursday, the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) voiced concern that the project would require the next government to spend an excessive amount to counter any negative fallout.

The BAI inspection showed that 15 out of 16 reservoirs for irrigation, which were created on the four rivers, were too weak to weather shocks that could occur when their floodgates were opened.

Damage actually occurred in six reservoirs in 2012 during floodgate opening.

The BAI investigation results embarrassed Cheong Wa Dae as 22 trillion won (approximately $20 billion) was spent on the project by the incumbent administration, despite a severe backlash from opposition parties and environmental groups.

The presidential office refused to comment on the results, saying the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, which oversaw the project, would give its position soon.

The main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP) slammed the government for the “policy failure.” In a statement, it urged the administration to have those who carried out the project take responsibility, as it will be a financial burden to the public.

The DUP urged President-elect Park Geun-hye to instruct officials to undertake a thorough investigation into the case to come up with fundamental solutions.

After taking office in February 2008, President Lee touted the project, saying it would revitalize the four rivers — the Han, Nakdong, Geum and Yeoungsan — and create eco-friendly green space in their neighborhoods and control water quality. The government declared the project was finished last year.

President Lee noted residents and the nation would benefit from the refurbishment as water quality would be improved and the rivers would attract tourists.

The DUP and environmentalists were vocal opponents of the development project, arguing it would harm the environment. <The Korea Times/Kang Hyun-kyung>