According to the Korea Times, the end of official North-South dialogues has put plans on hold to expand housing for workers in the Kaesong Industrial Zone.
From the article:
Officials at the complex expressed concerns that South Korean companies intending to set up operations there may be unable to do so as a lack of housing will likely see manpower shortages.
According to the Gaesong Industrial District Management Committee, the number of North Korean workers at 72 companies operating in the site totals 30,084 and the figure could reach 40,000 by late this year.
Besides, approximately 80,000 to 100,000 workers would be needed by 2010 when 450 companies are expected to settle in the industrial park.
However infrastructure projections show that less than 60,000 North Korean workers will likely be able to commute to the industrial site.
Currently, North Korean workers head for their workplaces by 88 commuter buses and bicycles and the authorities promised to provide an additional 100 buses until the year’s end.
South and North Korea agreed last December to build dormitories to accommodate 15,000 North Korean workers.
The two sides were to conduct a geological survey early this year and start construction work in the first half of the year following the agreement but the suspended talks have hindered the plan.
After conservative President Lee Myung-bak vowed a tougher line toward the North, the communist North kicked South Korean officials out of its territory in March and cut off official communication channels.
The Seoul government recognizes the lodging problem as urgent. Yet, it admitted it cannot find a solution at the moment since the North is rejecting any talks.
Read the full story here:
Gaeseong Complex Lacks in Lodgings for N. Korean Workers
Korea Times
Kim Sue-young
7/9/2008
