Naval base project in Jeju hits another snag

The project to build a strategic naval base on the southern resort island of Jeju hit another snag when the Jeju provincial government and council called on the central government to suspend its construction Monday, citing unresolved conflicts.

“We make this request that all construction related to the naval base be suspended ... We concur that conflicts in the Gangjeong Village occurred as there was a lack of ‘procedural legitimacy’ in the process of policy decisions related to the naval base,” said the provincial government and council in a joint statement.

“Recognizing the conflicts over the naval base as the top pending issue in the Jeju society, we will work together to resolve them.”

They also said that they will set up a special committee dedicated to addressing the conflicts over the naval base. However, they said, “We are not at that stage yet,” in response to a question of whether the suspension means reconsideration of the entire construction project.

In June 2007, the Navy and the Jeju provincial government designated Gangjeong Village in Seogwipo of the province for the project. On Jan. 29, the Navy signed contracts with two firms for the construction work. A sizable portion of the compensation for the villagers has already been paid. 

However, some villagers and civic groups have continued to object to the construction project, citing reasons including compensation issues and possible negative impact on the environment.