North Korean authorities have reportedly announced that "flood victim support will be handled by the Workers' Party and the state" following the late July floods in the northern region. This appears to be the government's response to growing discontent among ordinary citizens who have been effectively forced to contribute supplies like clothing and bedding for victims. A reporting partner in North Hamgyong Province provided this information on August 12. (Hong Mari / Kang Jiwon)
◆ Eliminate People's "non-tax burdens”
―― What recent directives have authorities issued regarding flood victim support?
An order has been issued to stop all forced collections of flood recovery support that had been burdening people through businesses, neighborhood watch units, and the women's union. The directive states that the party and state will handle all flood recovery measures, so no "non-tax burdens" should be imposed. Meanwhile, party organizations and security agencies have been instructed to secure recovery funds.
※ Non-tax burdens: Despite North Korea's claim of being a "tax-free country," budget shortages have led to ongoing demands for money and goods in various sectors like infrastructure and schools. These "non-tax burdens" have pressured people's lives, causing strong discontent. Kim Jong-un's previous orders to eliminate these burdens have been largely ineffective.
―― How is this directive being received?
Officials and security officers are now demanding money from businesses, unable to secure funds otherwise. However, this burden will likely be passed on to individuals, as businesses can't pay either. Alternatively, officials might extort bribes from people by threatening to report their illegal activities.
※ The reporting partner predicts that businesses asked to contribute funds will ultimately force the burden onto their workers.
◆ Total Mobilization, as the State Claims It Will Restore All Houses
―― What are the plans for flood victims who have lost their homes?
Reportedly, flood victims are being taken to Pyongyang. Meanwhile, the state claims it will restore damaged houses and provide all household appliances. The goal is to have new houses occupied by September 9, with all affected households to be moved in by October 10.
Restoration of damaged houses is proceeding with total mobilization from officials to ordinary citizens. Each province is mobilization their "Urban Construction Corps," with people previously mobilized for other tasks now all redirected to flood recovery efforts.
※ September 9 is National Foundation Day; October 10 is Foundation Day for the Workers' Party of Korea.
※ Urban Construction Corps: Construction departments under local administrative agencies.
※ ASIAPRESS communicates with its reporting partners through Chinese cell phones smuggled into North Korea.
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