A Japanese city has received a donation of 21 kilogrammes (46 pounds) of gold bars valued at approximately 560 million yen (about $3.6 million) to repair its aging water system. The donation was made last November by an anonymous donor, as announced by Osaka Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama during a press conference.
Osaka, home to nearly three million people, faces serious concerns regarding its aging water and sewage infrastructure. The city reported over 90 water pipe leaks in the 2024 fiscal year.
Yokoyama expressed gratitude for the donation, stating it would help tackle the deterioration of water pipes. He noted that over 20% of Japan's water pipes have surpassed their 40-year legal service life.
Sinkholes are also becoming more common due to deteriorating infrastructure, with a significant incident in Saitama Prefecture last year resulting in a fatality when a truck was swallowed by a sinkhole caused by a ruptured sewage pipe. Budget constraints have slowed efforts to replace corroded pipes across the country.
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