North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the construction site of a seaside aquaculture facility in Ragwon County, South Hamgyong Province, which is nearing completion.
The party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Monday that Kim conducted an on-site inspection of the construction site on Sunday.
Major officials from the party’s Central Committee, including Jo Yong Won and Kim Jae Ryong, accompanied him. They were greeted by military officers and design department officials involved in the construction.
During his visit, Kim meticulously examined the construction progress and commended the efforts of the soldier-builders.
According to the newspaper, Kim was impressed by the remarkable transformation in just a few months since it broke ground last February. He expressed great satisfaction, describing the project as an innovative endeavor that would ensure efficient development and long-term growth for over 60 coastal cities and counties nationwide.
He noted that the project not only builds on past experiences but also incorporates higher levels of modernity, advancement, and originality while harmonizing well with the coastal environment. Kim emphasized the importance of scientifically determining the project’s scale based on local population, economic foundation, and marine ecological conditions, similar to other regional development initiatives.
Kim instructed that plans for constructing seaside aquaculture facilities should be drafted annually for each city and county. He outlined key directives, including prioritizing economic viability and effectiveness, increasing green spaces in rural housing areas, and implementing rational and optimized solutions for coastal structures like breakwaters.
He also toured the completed housing units on the site.
Previously, on February 14, Kim had announced the construction of this second modern seaside aquaculture base, following the one in Sinpo, during the groundbreaking ceremony. North Korea had begun constructing the Sinpo facility in July of the previous year, completing it in just five months by the end of December.
Kim’s site visit appears to be aimed at expediting construction achievements ahead of the party’s founding day on October 10 and the 9th party congress scheduled for the end of the year or early next year.