National Implementation of Wakura Port Seawall Improvement Works
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced on August 18, 2025, that the national government will begin acting on behalf of seawall improvement works and related authority at Wakura Port in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture, starting September 1. This measure was decided on July 22 based on Article 52-2 of the Port and Harbor Act, with the specific start date now clarified.
Background and Legal Basis for Implementing the Acting System
The national acting system stipulated in Article 52-2 of the Port and Harbor Act is a framework whereby the national government directly implements works of particular importance that are difficult for local governments to execute independently at ports managed by local authorities. Wakura Port is an important local port located on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, functioning as crucial infrastructure supporting regional maritime transportation, logistics, and tourism industries. Through this measure, the national government's direct implementation utilizing specialized technical capabilities and financial resources enables more efficient and high-quality seawall improvements.
Details of Acting Works and Authority
The works to be undertaken by the national government are seawall improvement works in certain areas of Wakura Port. Specific acting areas are detailed in attached drawings. Additionally, the national government will also act on behalf of permit authority stipulated in Article 37, Paragraph 1 of the Port and Harbor Act accompanying work implementation. This enables the national government to handle various permit procedures necessary for work implementation in an integrated manner, facilitating rapid project advancement.
Implementation Structure and Responsibility Allocation
Overall coordination of the acting system is handled by the Port Construction Office of the Port Technology Planning Division, Port and Harbor Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, while actual work implementation is the responsibility of the Port and Airport Development Planning Division, Port and Airport Department, Hokuriku Regional Development Bureau for on-site operations. This dual management structure aims to ensure appropriate project advancement from both policy decision-making and on-site technical response perspectives.
Regional Impact and Expected Effects
Implementation of Wakura Port seawall improvement works is expected to significantly enhance port safety and functionality. Enhanced seawall durability will particularly improve protective functions against rough weather waves, ensuring user safety and achieving long-term facility stability. While temporary impacts are expected during the construction period, upon completion, the port is anticipated to contribute significantly to economic activities and tourism promotion on the Noto Peninsula as regional maritime transportation infrastructure. Direct national implementation is expected to advance the project under high technical standards and reliable schedule management.