PYONGYANG: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has emphasized the need for “perfection” in rebuilding homes in regions severely hit by recent floods, according to state media reports. During a visit to the devastated areas in Jagang Province, Kim extended the deadline for the completion of housing projects, underscoring the importance of flawless reconstruction.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim’s visit on Monday marked his first to the heavily damaged Jagang Province, following earlier inspections in North Phyongan Province. The severe flooding in July, caused by heavy rains along the Amnok River, resulted in the destruction of thousands of homes across the North Phyongan, Jagang, and Ryangang provinces. However, North Korean state media has not reported on any human casualties.
During his visit, Kim stressed the significance of the housing projects for flood victims, describing them as “precious assets of the state and the people that should be guaranteed forever.” He highlighted the necessity of addressin
g any shortcomings in construction efforts and announced the extension of the project’s completion timeline from early November to early December.
The South Korean unification ministry, responsible for inter-Korean relations, had previously speculated that Kim might have delayed his visit to Jagang due to concerns over the severe damage and potential negative repercussions of an early visit.
In response to Kim’s dissatisfaction with the construction quality, the Korean Central News Agency reported that the party decided to dispatch a new chief and political chief to the field headquarters responsible for rehabilitating the flood-hit areas in Jagang Province.