North Koreans are expressing growing concern over construction quality as the country rushes to build new housing in flood-damaged areas.
A Daily NK source in North Pyongan province revealed that severe supply shortages are leading to substandard construction in flood recovery areas, including Sinuiju’s Hadan and Kangun villages and Wiha island. Buildings are being erected with minimal structural support to conserve materials.
“Since late November, roof construction has relied primarily on wood, avoiding steel and concrete frameworks,” the source said. “Even wood is scarce, so they’re completing roofs with plywood using minimal supports.”
Local residents worry about potential issues like water leaks due to the minimal use of construction materials. According to a building official involved in the project, the hasty construction methods have resulted in poor waterproofing, and the insufficient support structures could lead to roof collapses.
Despite these safety concerns, North Korean authorities are pushing to meet the completion deadline set by leader Kim Jong Un. “Even though officials must be aware of the poor construction quality, they continue to demand rapid completion,” the source said. “The state is effectively sanctioning substandard construction.”
Initially, authorities planned to complete the homes in Sinuiju and Uiju county’s flood recovery zones by the Oct. 10 Party Foundation Day. When construction fell behind schedule, Kim visited the site in early November and mandated completion “at the highest standard” before the ruling party’s December plenary meeting.
“Construction teams have been working day and night shifts since last month to meet the December deadline,” the source said. “The poor quality continues because the supply shortage remains unsolved.”
While authorities have submitted completion reports since Dec. 3, with roof construction finished on most high-rise apartments in the affected areas, residents fear serious structural and safety issues may emerge after occupation.
“These homes were built for show, not for living,” the source said. “People will live in constant anxiety, knowing collapse is possible despite the attractive exterior. The focus on appearance over safety is frustrating, exemplified by workers planting trees in frozen ground during mid-winter just to make things look nice.”
Daily NK works with a network of sources in North Korea, China, and elsewhere. For security reasons, their identities remain anonymous.
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December 17, 2024 at 05:30AM
by DailyNK(North Korean Media)