Icheon Targets Flooding and Collapse in Onam District with Major Overhaul and 40.7 Billion Won Investment

Icheon City Selected for the "Onam District Integrated Flood Disaster Management Project" Contest
New Drainage Pump Station and Detention Pond to be Built, Improvement of Rivers and Stormwater Pipes
Construction to Begin in 2029 and Complete by 2033; Total Project Budget of 40.7 Billion Won Secured

A large-scale disaster prevention project with an investment of 40.7 billion won will be implemented in Onam-ri, Janghowon-eup, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi Province, an area repeatedly affected by flooding damage during heavy rains.

Onam District Redevelopment Project Selected for National and Provincial Government Fund Competition. Provided by Icheon City

The Icheon City Government (Mayor Seong Suseok) announced on September 9 that it has been finally selected for the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's "Onam District Integrated Flood Disaster Management Project" contest, securing a total project budget of 40.7 billion won. This marks the second consecutive year for Icheon to be selected for a large-scale disaster prevention project, following last year's selection for the improvement project for Punggye Natural Disaster Risk Improvement District with a total investment of 14.9 billion won.

The Onam District has long suffered from chronic flooding of urban and agricultural areas when heavy rains cause both the drainage facilities to reach capacity and the water level of Cheongmicheon, a national river, to rise. In 2020, 2022, and 2023, torrential rains submerged roads, houses, and farmland, and in some residential areas, injuries and displaced residents were also reported.

The Icheon City Government designated the Onam District as a 'Grade A' flood-prone risk zone and a 'Grade B' collapse-prone risk zone, classifying it as a natural disaster risk improvement district and preparing for the application. In January, a briefing session was held to explain the need for the project, share the implementation direction, and gather opinions from residents.

Through this project, a new drainage pump station and detention pond will be installed in the Onam-ri area. In addition, stormwater pipes and branch channels will be improved, and there will also be maintenance work for both major rivers and creeks, aiming to simultaneously reduce the risks of flooding and collapse.

The entire project cost will be equally funded by the national and local governments, with each contributing 50 percent. The Icheon City Government plans to begin detailed design in 2027, commence construction in 2029, and complete the project by 2033. Opinions gathered from the resident briefing session will also be reflected in the master plan.

The city explained that this selection is the result of Icheon’s accumulated experience in disaster prevention since the public contest for the Jumi District in 2023. The analysis of damage history and disaster causes, as well as the advance administrative procedures such as designation as a natural disaster risk improvement district, were also evaluated highly.

Mayor Seong Suseok of Icheon stated, "We have established a foundation for a project that can fundamentally resolve chronic flooding and collapse risks," adding, "We will steadily carry out the Onam District improvement project to protect the lives and property of our citizens."

Director Lee Kangman of the Safety Management Division commented, "As the Onam District faces both flood and collapse risks, structural improvement is absolutely necessary," and added, "Drawing on our experience with the Punggye District, which is progressing smoothly, we will also ensure that the Onam District project is carried out safely and systematically to protect the lives and property of citizens."

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