DPRK's Kim pledges thousands of new homes in storm recovery effort

Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) leader Kim Jong Un promised to help typhoon-hit areas recover and to build at least 25,000 houses over the next five years, state media said on Wednesday.

Visiting one of the worst-hit areas of the DPRK, Kim expressed regret over the more than 50-year-old houses in which residents have been living and urged the military to embark on a more ambitious construction plan, KCNA said.

The visit came after Kim appeared to shed tears at the weekend as he thanked citizens for their sacrifices.

Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) leader Kim Jong Un visits the Komdok area in South Hamgyong province, DPRK, October 13, 2020. /Reuters

The military has finished 60 percent of the construction for at least 2,300 houses in the Komdok area in South Hamgyong province, northeast of the capital, Pyongyang, the state media said.

Kim said new houses were now being built to replace the old ones destroyed by natural disasters, and he called for a "revolution" in construction plans, starting with building 25,000 houses during the country's five-year plan set to be unveiled in January.

Last week, Kim called on the country to embark on an 80-day "speed battle" – to attain economic goals before a congress in January to decide the five-year plan.

(CGTN)