Daegu City Council urges Exco management reform, calls for relocation of health and environment institute

The Culture and Welfare Committee of the Daegu City Council conducted administrative audits of the Daegu Institute of Health and Environment and Exco on Wednesday, urging both organizations to address key issues.

The audit of the institute focused on odor management at the dyeing industrial complex, Legionella bacteria testing, indoor air quality in apartment buildings, aging inspection equipment and the relocation of the institute's building.

Committee Chair Lee Jae-suk called for stronger odor monitoring at the dyeing industrial complex, while Vice Chair Joo Ho-dong urged improvements to Legionella testing and follow-up management.

Committee member Lee Young-ae called for improvements to indoor air quality in apartment buildings, and member Jeong Il-gyun called for a plan to replace aging inspection equipment. Member Heo Jeong-su urged the institute to draw up realistic measures, including relocating its aging building to a standalone site.

The committee then turned to Exco, examining the new president's management strategy, organizational and personnel management, exhibition safety, discretionary contracts, internal audits and investment plans for aging facilities.

Chair Lee called on Exco to develop a management strategy to improve the profitability of its exhibition business and expand market access for participating companies. Vice Chair Joo urged compliance with mandatory employment quotas for people with disabilities, while member Lee Young-ae called for stronger exhibition safety management and action on issues repeatedly flagged in past audits.

Member Jeong Il-gyun called for improvements to organizational management and the securing of specialized personnel, and member Kim Hae-cheol called for greater transparency in discretionary contracts and stronger internal auditing. Member Park Jeong-hui urged verification of the facts surrounding bonus payment standards and contracts facing conflict-of-interest allegations, while member Heo Jeong-su called on Exco to establish a medium- to long-term investment plan to upgrade aging facilities in the convention center's west wing.

"We ask both organizations to make genuine improvements and take follow-up action on the issues raised, so as to raise the quality of administrative service and strengthen the competitiveness of the regional exhibition industry," Chair Lee said.