Rodong Sinmun, the Chosun Workers’ Party daily propaganda publication, reported on October 27th that amid the “worst drought to hit North Korea in 100
years” and depleted hydroelectric resources, coal production must be increased to provide electricity.
“We must put all our efforts into coal,” the report stated. “Right now, power is
what is most needed everywhere. To increase the sounds of laughter among workers in the steel mills,
chemical industry, and light industry factories, as well as all residents, we need a
great deal of electricity.”
Conservation of electricity frequently
appeared in the report, “Everyone must take substantive
steps to adhere strictly to the standards of power consumption, reduce power
loss, and change all lighting to LED bulbs.”
The paper went on to stress the difficult and noble work involved in coal production and the importance of properly operating the trains to provide the necessary materials to the power plants and mines on time. It noted the highly specialized nature in such lines of work and that “not just anyone from any sector” could perform the tasks it requires.
“The Party hopes that our power issues and
coal production can be resolved by the willpower of the people,” the report declared. “To increase
electricity and coal production and overcome this struggle faced by our nation
all Party organizations must play a large role,” it added as an attempt to foster increased production.
“All workers and party members shall
honor the Party’s plans and fully support the electricity and coal industry
front by actively pressing for victory with this full advance forward,” the
paper concluded.
