Although residents have started moving into newly constructed homes in the flood-stricken region of North Hamgyong Province, complaints are emerging. While, the homes appear attractive from the outside, residents have noted that the dry wall is still wet and the interiors of the homes are completely empty. These shortcomings are causing concern as residents move into the vacant homes, sources inside the country report.
“The assignment of homes and the moving in process is already underway for families who lost their homes near the northern section of the Tumen River. However, instead of enjoying a celebratory atmosphere, residents are quite concerned because their homes are empty and winter is fast approaching,” a source in North Hamgyong Province told Daily NK on November 18.
“The exterior walls and the roofs are all slickly painted, but when you actually enter the homes, you’re given a chilly reception. They are totally empty. The walls and floors are still wet and sticky from the humidity. People’s blankets are even sticking to the floor. Some of the new residents are complaining of joint pain because they can’t rest comfortably in their new homes.”
This information was corroborated by multiple sources in the region who have personally witnessed the newly built homes.
When asked how the families are coping, the source noted, “The families are trying to put up wallpaper, but the walls are so wet that the wallpaper keeps falling down. Most homes don’t have enough firewood, so frost is collecting on the walls at night and children are getting frostbite on their toes.”
This is particularly troubling considering the area’s latitude and the time of year. “When the sun sets in the northern region, the temperature dips below freezing. However, the houses are still humid, so people are keeping the doors open to try to air them out. Children are crying due to the terrible cold,” he said.
Upon completing the project, the North Korean authorities did not conduct a propaganda event to tout the generosity of the Workers’ Party. Instead, families were moved in immediately after the houses were built. Some observers believe this to be due to the freezing temperatures, but there is talk among the authorities that the reason is because no one expects Kim Jong Un to come and personally carry out an inspection.
Although there were rumors before moving day that the homes would all be equipped with color television sets, that turned out to be false. The only things provided were via mandatory donations from citizens in other provinces, consisting of items like blankets.
“Residents are complaining that the homes were only built to look nice when viewed by people looking from across the river [in China],” the source concluded.
