Gangneung, which endured a “worst-ever drought” crisis, had introduced drive-through distribution of bottled water and other creative measures in its efforts to ease the water shortage. (Yonhap)
GANGNEUNG, South Korea, Oct. 2 (Korea Bizwire) — Less than a month after emergency shipments of bottled water were distributed to residents during one of Gangneung’s worst droughts in decades, some of those supplies are now showing up for sale on secondhand trading platforms, sparking public criticism.
The city, which declared a disaster in September after reservoirs reached record lows, had twice distributed bottled water to every resident. Apartment dwellers received up to three 12-liter packs per person, while other citizens received slightly less.
Additional allocations were made to welfare centers, hospitals, foreign students and workers, daycare centers, infants, and small business owners.
Gangneung City is continuing to distribute the remaining bottled water to small business owners and other groups. (Yonhap)
But with heavy rains last month restoring water levels at the Obong Reservoir and lifting the state of emergency, postings have begun to appear online offering the donated water for between 2,000 and 3,600 won ($1.50–$2.60) per six-bottle pack.
While some sellers claim the water was privately purchased or stockpiled, much of it is believed to have come from government relief distributions.
The practice has drawn sharp rebukes. “This was sent with compassion from people across the country,” said Park, a 64-year-old resident. “If I had extras, I would donate them to schools or welfare centers, not sell them.”
At the same time, other residents have taken the opposite approach, offering their surplus water free of charge online. “We don’t need these 30 bottles, so please take them if you do,” one post read, with most giveaways quickly claimed.
City officials say they are continuing to distribute remaining bottled water stocks to small business owners and other groups in need.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
