RoK to spend 2 bln USD on drought fight

Seoul (VNA) - The Republic of Korea government on October 21 announced a 125-billion-won (10 billion USD) plan to counter prolonged drought that has troubled households in 17 cities and counties in three southern and mid-western provinces.

Prime Minister Han Seung-soo convened a special Cabinet meeting to discuss
the harmful weather effects on the agriculture sector and farmers in South
Gyeongsang, South Jeolla and North Chungcheong provinces, according to
the Korea Times.

The heads of five relevant ministries including the Ministry of Food,
Agriculture and Fisheries, the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime
Affairs and the Ministry of Environment attended the meeting.

The RoK government has provided drinking water to more than 21,000
households and lent spring coolers to farmers to protect crops in the
1,537-hectare area as a temporary measure.

The Environment Ministry plans to spend 22 billion won (roughly 2 billion
USD) on building 265 underground water reservoirs and 54-km of tunnels to
secure drinking water for residents.

The Agriculture Ministry pledged to exploit 366 underground water reservoirs
and build 35 irrigation systems to provide crops with water.- Enditem