How did Fukuoka fix that massive hole in just a week?
Interview with Soichiro Takashima, Mayor of the Japanese city.
We had to use a special soil that could solidify in water and get dug out easily. However, since the scale of the cave-in was so big, a huge amount of the special soil was needed. As there is a limit to how much soil can be produced and the soil hardens in a short period of time, it was a challenge to carry it from a faraway production site.
Under these circumstances, many companies came together to help regardless of their business rivalry and belonging to different group companies, and thanks to their generous cooperation, the necessary amount of soil was procured.
In order to recover the grids, it was necessary to have multiple workers in charge of utilities like gas, electricity, waterworks, sewerage, and communication engage another in repair works. Such a work process was unprecedented, and I truly appreciate their hard works and supportive attitudes to make it possible.
While we were aiming for the quickest repair possible, we thought safety should remain as our top priority. After setting the one-week target of recovery, I asked on-site workers to have the courage to stop their work if they catch any abnormal sign, and that I would truly appreciate it if they do so.
Every day, I asked them to be frank with us and share their concerns on what they noticed as unusual. I tried to create an atmosphere in which they could easily talk to us.
What advice would you give to other governments facing a similar issue?
When an accident or a disaster takes place, it is important for both public and private sectors to work together to recover safety of the affected area, for the sake of our community. A top leader needs to go to the affected area to convey his/her feeling to workers on site and ask for their cooperation.
It is also important to send information to make citizens feel safe and secured. The city government provided every piece of necessary information to citizens. I also used social media to send more practical information that I thought citizens would want to know to ease their concerns.
What are your priorities for 2017?
Over the past several years, the economic performance of Fukuoka has been strong. The numbers of tourists and calls for cruise ships are in a record high, and the amount of companies advancing into Fukuoka’s market has been growing. With such a robust economy, the city’s tax revenue has marked the largest ever increase. I want to take advantage of these and bring Fukuoka to the next stage.
One example of boosting our city infrastructures is a project to rebuild 30 office buildings in the city center within the next ten years.
Another project we have been promoting involves renovating our waterfront district into a focal point for cruising tourism, MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, & Exhibition) and a place where people can enjoy the bustling surroundings.
A new urban development project is underway on a 50 hectare land, which is close to the airport and a subway station. By implementing innovative technology, such as IoT and self-driving vehicles in this area, we want to create a smart, sustainable and most advanced urban space in the world.
While Japan struggles with its ageing demographic and low birth rate - causing a sense of stagnation - Fukuoka has been growing in terms of population and economy. Taking such advantages, I will continue to commit myself to Fukuoka’s urban development, toward a brighter future.