WNAM REPORT: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for swiftly rebuilding homes in flood-devastated regions in the country’s northwest, state media reported Monday.
Kim made the remarks during a “field guidance” visit to the flood-stricken regions of North Phyongan Province on Sunday, according to the reports..
Late July’s heavy rains inundated large areas along the Amnok River, with some South Korean media outlets speculating that the number of people who died or went missing could exceed 1,000.
During the visit, Kim said that “all the builders should complete the housing construction on the highest level in the shortest time by directing redoubled efforts and sincerity to provide the people in the flood-hit areas with houses for happy living.”
Kim again emphasized that the quality of construction is not merely a matter of addressing the aftermath of a natural disaster but a critical process in implementing the party’s far-reaching program for regional development.
North Korea has been prioritizing economic development in backward provinces, following Kim’s commitment to modernizing factories in 20 counties over the next decade. The country’s “20-10 Regional Development Policy” aims to raise what the regime refers to as the basic material and cultural living standards of the people.
It marks Kim’s third visit to the rehabilitation sites, following earlier visits on July 28 and Aug. 8-9.
South Korea’s unification ministry responsible for inter-Korean affairs noted that this latest inspection seems intended to calm public sentiment and boost morale among military officials and young workers involved in the housing project.
“It is somewhat unusual for Kim to inspect flood recovery efforts multiple times in such a short period,” Koo Byoung-sam, a spokesperson for the ministry, said during a press briefing.
