Eunju Lee, Seo-gu Gwangju Council Member: "Mosquito Activity Surges, but Disinfection Budget Drops"

"Disinfection Budget Must Be Restored Through Supplementary Appropriations"

With the ongoing heatwave and climate crisis leading to increased activity from mosquitoes and other pests, it has been revealed that the disinfection budget for Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, Jeonnam Province, has continuously decreased over the past three years, raising calls for a review of the budget.

At the 342nd special session work report by the public health center on July 22, Eunju Lee, a member of the Seo-gu Council of the Gwangju Metropolitan City, Jeonnam Province, pointed out, “Due to the climate crisis, the need for disinfection is rising, yet the related budget is instead being reduced,” and called for securing a disinfection budget directly linked to residents’ safety.

Assembly member Lee explained, “Analysis of the digital mosquito monitoring system by the Gwangju Institute of Health and Environment showed that the mosquito trap index has roughly tripled compared to the same period last year. Many residents continuously file complaints related to mosquitoes, and many report that both the number and size of mosquitoes have increased noticeably.”

Eunju Lee, Member of the Western District Council of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City.

She went on to say, “As heatwaves become routine, the active period for mosquitoes and various pests is also extending. Since disinfection is the most basic form of residential administration to protect residents’ health and safety, it is extremely concerning that the budget continues to decrease while demand is increasing.”

The disinfection budget for Seo-gu decreased for three consecutive years: from 210.62 million won in 2024, to 209.12 million won in 2025, then 196.46 million won in 2026. All of the reduction occurred in local government funding, while support from the city remained at the same level for three consecutive years.

Additionally, it was confirmed that for the first supplementary budget this year, both the 7.2 million won of Gwangju Metropolitan City-related disinfection funding and roughly 1.18 million won of local government funding were cut, resulting in a decrease in the budget for disinfection chemicals as well.

Assembly member Lee stressed, “Disinfection is one of the most immediately tangible aspects of public administration that residents experience. Cutting the disinfection budget in a situation where the types and populations of pests are rapidly growing due to the climate crisis could threaten residents’ safety.”

She added, “In the process of reviewing the supplementary budget, the disinfection budget directly tied to residents’ safety must be secured. As the risk of infectious diseases rises, there is a need to establish a proactive and eco-friendly disinfection system so that residents can feel safe in their daily lives.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.