Title: Kim Jong-un’s Contradictory Approach to Construction: Balancing Speed and Quality
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been emphasizing the importance of quality over speed in construction projects, yet his recent directives to expedite the completion of local hospital projects seem to contradict this stance. In a report by the Yonhap News Agency on September 2, it was highlighted that Kim’s approach to construction is facing criticism for being self-contradictory.
During a visit to a construction site in Hwanghae Province on August 31, Kim underscored the principle of reducing speed to enhance quality. He argued that quality is the cornerstone of construction work, and any pursuit of speed at the expense of quality is detrimental to the state’s development policies. Kim also stressed the need to provide optimal working conditions and hygienic living arrangements for the military personnel involved in the construction.
Quality is the foundation of construction work. Even the smallest oversight can be a poison to our party’s local construction policies, Kim stated.
However, the same day, Kim also mentioned his desire to have hospitals built in every city and county across North Korea, calling it one of his long-cherished wishes. He urged that modern health facilities be included in the Local Development 20×10 Policy and insisted that these projects should be completed within the year, regardless of the challenges or efforts required.
This directive raises questions about the feasibility of such a tight deadline, especially when considering the remaining months of the year. Critics argue that Kim’s push for timely completion of the hospital projects appears to be at odds with his emphasis on quality.
Kim’s insistence on completing the hospital projects within the year, while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of quality, is a self-contradictory approach, the Yonhap News Agency reported.
Kim’s latest statements follow a consistent pattern of emphasizing quality in construction projects. He has previously highlighted the need for high-quality construction in various sectors, including housing, infrastructure, and public facilities. The contradiction arises from the practicality of adhering to high-quality standards within a compressed timeframe.
The North Korean leader’s focus on health facilities is part of a broader effort to improve the country’s healthcare system. Kim has repeatedly emphasized the importance of healthcare, especially in rural areas, where access to modern medical services is limited. The construction of new hospitals is seen as a step towards achieving this goal.
It is my wish to see modern health facilities in every city and county. No matter how difficult the task, we must ensure that this becomes a reality, Kim declared.
Despite the ambitious goals, the North Korean regime’s track record in construction projects has been mixed. While some projects have been completed successfully, others have faced delays and quality issues. The challenge for Kim and his government is to balance the urgency of completing projects with the need to maintain high standards.
The international community has been closely monitoring North Korea’s construction activities, particularly in light of the country’s economic challenges and international sanctions. The push for quality in construction projects could be seen as a positive step towards improving the living conditions of the North Korean population.
In conclusion, Kim Jong-un’s approach to construction projects appears to be caught between the Scylla of speed and the Charybdis of quality. While his emphasis on quality is commendable, the practicality of meeting tight deadlines without compromising standards remains a significant challenge. As North Korea continues to develop its infrastructure, the balance between speed and quality will likely remain a key issue for the regime to navigate.
Views: 0