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Osaka receives record gold donation for infrastructure repairs
An anonymous benefactor has donated 21 kilograms of gold bars-valued at approximately 560 million yen ($3.6 million)-to Osaka, Japan's third-largest city, to help modernize its deteriorating water system, Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama announced on Thursday.
Donation details and city response
The gold, equivalent to 46 pounds, was handed over last November but only revealed this week during a press conference. Yokoyama described the contribution as "staggering" and admitted he was "lost for words" when questioned about its scale.
The same donor had previously given 500,000 yen in cash for municipal waterworks, the mayor disclosed, though their identity remains undisclosed.
Ageing infrastructure crisis
Osaka, home to nearly three million residents, faces mounting challenges with its water and sewage networks. The city's waterworks bureau reported over 90 pipe leaks beneath roadways in the 2024 fiscal year alone.
Nationwide, more than 20% of Japan's water pipes have exceeded their 40-year legal lifespan, local media reports indicate. Deteriorating infrastructure has led to a rise in sinkholes, including a fatal incident in Saitama Prefecture last year when a ruptured sewage pipe caused a sinkhole that engulfed a truck cab, killing the driver.
Funding shortfalls and future plans
Yokoyama emphasized the financial strain of addressing ageing pipes, stating, "Tackling this issue requires enormous investment. I have nothing but appreciation [for the donation]."
The city's waterworks bureau confirmed in a statement that the funds would be allocated to repair efforts, including replacing corroded pipelines. However, broader national renewal projects have stalled due to budget constraints, despite heightened urgency following recent disasters.
Broader implications
Japan's government has accelerated inspections and replacement initiatives, but progress remains slow. The Osaka donation highlights both the critical need for infrastructure upgrades and the role of private contributions in bridging funding gaps.
