A city in Japan has received an extraordinary donation of 21 kilograms of gold bullion to help revitalize its aging water pipeline network.
This substantial gift, valued at an estimated 560 million yen (approximately IDR 60 billion), was anonymously contributed last November. Osaka Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama revealed details of the donation at a press conference on Thursday, February 19, expressing profound gratitude for the unexpected support.
Home to nearly three million residents, Osaka stands as a vital commercial hub in the Kansai region and ranks as Japan’s third-largest city. Despite its modern facade, like many other urban centers across the nation, Osaka grapples with an increasingly dilapidated water and sewage infrastructure, a concern shared by many of its citizens.
The city’s waterworks bureau has already recorded over 90 cases of burst water pipes beneath its streets in 2024 alone, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive repairs and upgrades. Mayor Yokoyama underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “Addressing aging water pipes requires significant investment. I am truly appreciative of this invaluable contribution.”
The sheer quantity of the gold bullion left the mayor “speechless” and “extremely surprised.” This generous individual or entity is not a first-time benefactor; the same mysterious donor previously contributed 500,000 yen (around IDR 54 million) in cash to the city’s water facilities, further demonstrating a commitment to Osaka’s essential services.
In response to the remarkable donation, Osaka’s waterworks bureau released a statement on Thursday, February 19, extending its sincere thanks. The bureau affirmed its dedication to utilizing the gold wisely, with a primary focus on tackling critical pipeline damage and ensuring the longevity of the city’s water supply.
The challenge of aging infrastructure extends far beyond Osaka. Local media reports indicate that over 20% of Japan’s water pipes have exceeded their official 40-year lifespan. This widespread deterioration contributes to more frequent incidents of ground subsidence across Japanese cities, many of which are underpinned by equally old wastewater systems.
A tragic incident last year in Saitama Prefecture saw a large sinkhole engulf a truck, killing its driver. The cause was attributed to a ruptured sewage pipe. Such events have spurred Japanese authorities to accelerate efforts to replace corroded pipelines nationwide. However, these crucial modernization projects are often hampered by persistent budgetary constraints, making unexpected donations like Osaka’s even more impactful.
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