Nowon-gu locks in W42.8b first supplementary budget of 9th term... prioritizes safety, livelihood vitality

Nowon-gu in Seoul finalized its first supplementary budget of the ninth popularly elected term after the Nowon-gu Council passed it in a plenary session on Monday. The district focused the budget on prioritizing residents' safety while boosting the local economy and upgrading aging urban infrastructure.

The supplementary budget totals 42.8 billion won ($31.9 million), of which about 23 billion won will go toward the district's own policy projects.

The district said the first supplementary budget of the new term prioritizes residents' safety, while also focusing on inclusive livelihood-support policies and upgrades to urban infrastructure.

For residents' safety, the district earmarked 700 million won to upgrade its AI-based CCTV network and 100 million won to support CCTV inspections of aging sewer pipes in apartment complexes. It also set aside 204 million won for a feasibility study on measures to resolve flooding in Wolgye-dong.

The budget also includes funds for a comprehensive overhaul of hazardous trees and the replacement of an elevator at the Sangil pedestrian overpass. The tree removal project was launched after a roadside tree fell in late July. The elevator replacement addresses residents' complaints and safety concerns stemming from frequent breakdowns. Both projects were identified as necessary after District Mayor Seo Jun-o personally inspected the sites.

The budget also incorporates eight crime-prevention projects developed in consultation with the Nowon Police Station. These include support for safety patrol teams and volunteer crime-prevention groups, and the installation of wireless CCTV cameras in forested areas to respond to motiveless crimes. The district will also expand support for wandering-detection devices for elderly dementia patients and protection and support programs for victims of relationship-based crimes.

On the livelihood front, the district will issue 5 billion won worth of Nowon Sarang gift certificates and support improvements to traditional market facilities and local commercial districts. It will also invest a total of 340 million won in the Suraksan Design Street and the Gyeongchun Line Gongneung Forest Trail to improve the landscape. The project will create a "street of light" aimed at revitalizing local businesses.

The budget covers programs closely tied to residents' daily lives, including support for learning assistants for students with disabilities at special schools and the installation of rapid chargers for electric wheelchairs and mobility devices. It also funds environmental improvements at senior centers.

The district also allocated funds to prepare for the opening of new public facilities in the second half of this year. It secured operating budgets for the Junggye Culture and Health Center, the Bicycle Culture Center, the Upcycling Center and the Junggye Dementia Care Center. This will ensure that programs for residents can run smoothly as soon as each facility opens.

The district is also moving preemptively to upgrade aging urban infrastructure, securing maintenance funds across road facilities, paved roads, stream and sewage facilities, and parks and green spaces. Rather than waiting for next year's regular budget, officials plan to quickly repair the most urgent facilities first.

Projects preparing for the district's future are also included. Among the highlights are basic planning studies for the "Nowon Garden Line," which will connect parks, green spaces, streams and gardens, and for a third building at Nowon Train Village, a local attraction. Another project will improve pedestrian conditions around Seokgye Station in connection with the Gwangwoon University Station transit-oriented area development, slated for completion in 2028.

District Mayor Seo Jun-o said, "Even amid difficult fiscal conditions, we prioritized projects essential to residents' safety and livelihoods, while also making sure not to neglect preparations for Nowon's future." He added, "I am grateful to the Nowon-gu Council for its active deliberation and approval, and we will carry out these projects swiftly and thoroughly so that residents can feel the value of their tax money."