In a significant stride towards modernizing urban infrastructure, Hanwha’s construction sector marked its presence at the “celebration event for the modernization of the Pyeongtaek City Tongbok Public Sewage Treatment Facility” held at Sindae Leports Park in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. The event, held on the 6th, saw the attendance of key dignitaries, including Pyeongtaek Mayor Chung Jang-sun, Pyeongtaek City Council Chairman Kang Jeong-gu, and Hanwha Construction CEO Kim Seung-mo.
The project, valued at 214.6 billion won, aims to transfer and underground the existing public sewage treatment plant in Tongbok-dong to Sindae-dong. This ambitious initiative is not merely about relocating infrastructure but also about revitalizing urban spaces. On the ground, an eco-friendly park, sports facilities, and rest areas will be constructed, transforming the area into a community asset that enhances the quality of life for residents.
Operating under a profit-sharing type private investment project (BTO-a), the venture brings together six construction companies, with Hanwha’s construction division at the helm. E&O, a subsidiary of Hanwha, will manage operations for 30 years from the start date, ensuring long-term sustainability and efficiency.
The new integrated relocation facility will boast a sewage treatment capacity of 100,000 tons per day, a 1.3 times expansion from the current 75,000 tons per day. The project includes the construction of a 2.1km car collection pipeline and a 1.76km re-use pipeline, addressing critical infrastructure needs while promoting environmental stewardship.
Slated for completion in the first half of 2028, the project promises to resolve long-standing issues such as the aging of existing facilities, urban aesthetic hindrances, odor problems, and capacity limitations. By repurposing the existing facility sites, the initiative aims to create a more pleasant and functional environment for citizens.
CEO Kim Seung-mo underscored Hanwha’s commitment and expertise in the water treatment sector, stating, “We have completed and operated 10 public sewage treatment plants in Korea, including Geomdan, Incheon, Hwaseong, Gunpo Daeya, and Seocheon, Chungcheongnam-do. Based on our accumulated know-how and differentiated technology in private investment projects in the water treatment sector, we will make this project a successful case for modernizing old sewage treatment plants.”
This endeavor is more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it’s a testament to the evolving role of construction in shaping sustainable urban landscapes. As cities grapple with aging infrastructure and increasing environmental concerns, projects like the modernization of the Pyeongtaek City Tongbok Public Sewage Treatment Facility offer a blueprint for integrating technological advancements with green initiatives.
For industry professionals, this development signals a shift towards more holistic approaches in urban planning. It underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable development and highlights the potential for construction to address both infrastructural needs and environmental challenges.
Moreover, the project’s focus on creating community spaces emphasizes the human element in urban development. It serves as a reminder that while technological and environmental considerations are crucial, the ultimate goal is to improve the lives of people who inhabit these spaces.
As the construction industry continues to innovate, initiatives like this one will likely shape the future of urban infrastructure. They demonstrate that sustainability is not just a buzzword but a practical approach to building better cities—cities that are efficient, eco-friendly, and designed with the well-being of their inhabitants in mind.
This transformation in Pyeongtaek could set a precedent for similar projects worldwide, inspiring a new era of urban development that balances growth with sustainability. For an industry often seen as a significant contributor to environmental degradation, this shift towards green initiatives represents a pivotal moment—one that could redefine its role in the global push for sustainability.
In essence, the modernization of the Pyeongtaek City Tongbok Public Sewage Treatment Facility is more than just a construction project; it’s a beacon of change, illustrating how the industry can lead the way in creating sustainable, livable cities for future generations. This initiative challenges