economy

The area of Wihwa Island in the northwestern end of the country has been splendidly spruced up.

There are numerous vegetable greenhouses of diverse types, the up-to-date Sinuiju vegetable science research centre, dwelling houses, bases for cultural and leisure activities and others. As the area has undergone a drastic change, people can hardly believe it was once a barren land that suffered flood disasters whenever a heavy rain came even a little until two years ago.

Happy laughter of locals resounds in the place presenting spectacular views. Dwelling houses are distinctive in style and gentle yet dignified in colour, the strong embankment extends for a great distance, stylish roads link different parts of the farm area and there are wonderful parks, ponds and such roadside trees as metasequoia and ginkgo.

The residents recollect with deep emotion the days two years before as they feast their eyes on the dramatically transformed area.

In late July 2024, a record downpour struck the northern border area of the country and the water level of the Amnok River far exceeded the danger line, with the result that Sinuiju City and several islands of Uiju County in North Phyongan Province became submerged.

At this juncture, respected General Secretary Kim Jong Un personally directed the operation to rescue flood victims on the spot and, after safely evacuating all of them, looked round the flooded area to take detailed measures for rehabilitation.

The 22nd emergency enlarged meeting of the Political Bureau of the Eighth Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea was held on the spot and the members of the Paektusan Hero Youth Shock Brigade were dispatched immediately to the area from Pyongyang amid warm encouragement of the General Secretary.

As he repeatedly visited the rehabilitation site, he gave meticulous guidance over the construction of embankments, dwelling houses, nurseries, kindergartens, schools and health facilities, so that the island area afflicted by flood disaster generation after generation could become an island of happiness free from flooding.

The rehabilitation work was completed in a little over four months and the inhabitants moved into new houses of happiness.

When everyone was struck with admiration for the great change in the area of Wihwa Island, he unveiled another plan to build there a large combined greenhouse farm covering hundreds of hectares and turn the area into a model farm in the new era with great development potential and paid frequent visits to it to provide wise guidance for the gigantic regional development project.

The locals are so grateful to the respected General Secretary as eye-opening progress is being made not only in the economic and cultural life of the islanders but in the economic development of the island area and Sinuiju City.

At present, construction projects are being pushed ahead in the Sinuiju Combined Greenhouse Farm area, including an advanced public health facility, leisure complex, general vegetable processing factory, tree nursery, orchard and other production bases.

The island area will undergo another transformation with the completion of the large-scale projects.