BUSAN — The aging of firefighting equipment and a shortfall in fire service funding came under scrutiny at a parliamentary audit of the Busan metropolitan government. Mayor Jeon Jae-soo said he would reflect upgrades for aging equipment and improved treatment of firefighters in next year's budget.
Rep. Lim Ho-seoung of the Democratic Party of Korea said on the 21st that Busan's rate of aging firefighting equipment was the worst in the country, pointing to the large number of vehicles that have passed their service life. He spoke at an audit of the Busan city government conducted by the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee at Busan City Hall.
Comparing the fire service's budget requests over the past five years with the amounts ultimately approved, Lim said the share reflected in the final budget came to only about 30%. He also called for greater attention to and respect for uniformed public servants, including firefighters and police officers, who face danger at disaster scenes.
"I am sorry that we failed to address the replacement of aging equipment, working conditions and compensation in advance," Jeon said. "In drawing up next year's budget, we will take into account improvements in firefighters' compensation and working conditions, as well as upgrades for aging equipment."