CEO Choi Gye-woon of K-water
On the occasion of the World Water Day (WWD) 2014, the United Nations (UN) in close coordination with its member states and other relevant stakeholders is collectively bringing its attention to the water-energy nexus, particularly addressing inequities, especially for the 'bottom billion' who live in slums and impoverished rural areas and survive without access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, sufficient food and energy services.
Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water), which is responsible for managing and maintaining a clean and safe tap water supply of the country as a public corporation, is also taking the lead in raising public awareness on the close link between water and energy consumption as the nation joins the rest of the world on WWD which fell on March 22.
?roducing energy uses water, and providing freshwater uses energy both processes face growing limits and problems,?said Choi Gye-woon K-water CEO.
That is why K-water launched what is known as ?mart water grid?supported by advanced information and communications technology from the beginning of this year, Choi said in a recent interview with The Korea Post pledging to do his best to help ensure people are satisfied with clean water all year around.
Choi is professor turned CEO with solid professional and academic background who is at the forefront of an intensive drive to ensure K-water becomes a leader in global water management systems.
Based on its vision to be a ?orld Leader in Water Management Services? K-water is making all-out endeavor to achieve ?ater for a Happier World?under his dynamic leadership.
To this end, Choi has recently worked out a new business model for water management under which its overseas operations will be further expanded in line with the government policies.
He then underscored the need for smooth relations with labor union and fair personnel policies taking into consideration such factors as ability, performance and social services in personnel evaluations to boost morale of his staff members which is directly concerned with productivity of the corporation as a whole.
He also pledged to take the lead in supporting the development of the industry by ensuring a consistent and stable water supply, and will ensure the welfare of the people as part of its efforts to expand public welfare in the country.
To this end, we will further expand communication with the people so we can know what they need, and think about ways to deliver what they want as a company with various knowhow and technologies to manage waterfalls, water quality, streams and ecology.” he said renewing his determination to achieve prosperity, protect society, and stimulate national development under new paradigm designed to usher in an era in which happiness comes from creative water management.
Since its establishment in 1967, K-water has been implementing national water resources management policies regarding multipurpose dams, water supply dams and regional water supply systems. It is also making a great contribution toward the development of the national economy and improving the quality of life for local people.
In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of its foundation, K-water has launched the strategic mission; Water for the Happier World and it is pursuing innovation and change, in order to become the ?est Water Partner?in the world.
With basin management, integration, specialization and automation, K-water is making efforts to provide a safe water supply for people so that all may enjoy the benefits of clean water.
With this in mind, K-water is also developing core technologies and utilizing the sharpest minds to take the initiative in water industry for the future. K-water is ready to embody the reliable image of a corporation fulfilling its social responsibility by actively practicing sustainable, ethical and transparent management along with increasing the customer’s value.
Moreover, K-water is trying its best to offer customized services, pursuing the reforms and changes that people desire.
K-water promises to advance towards becoming the best corporation in the world, in which all people are in harmony with water and nature. K-water eagerly anticipates your encouragement and support.
On a global scene, many countries in the world is suffering from water scarcity.
The lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demands of water usage within a region already affects every continent and around 2.8 billion people around the world at least one month out of every year. More than 1.2 billion people lack access to clean drinking water, according to a recent UN report.
The report said that water scarcity involves water stress, water shortage or deficits, and water crisis.
While the concept of water stress is relatively new, it is the difficulty of obtaining sources of fresh water for use during a period of time and may result in further depletion and deterioration of available water resources, it noted.
Indications are that water shortages may be caused by climate change, such as altered weather patterns including droughts or floods, increased pollution, and increased human demand and overuse of water.