Suncheon City Launches Full-Scale Support Project for 'Seokmyeon Slate' Disposal

Applications Accepted Until the 20th at the Building Location's Eup, Myeon, Dong

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Amid concerns about citizen health damage caused by asbestos slate, known as a Group 1 carcinogen, a slate disposal support project aimed at preventing this and improving the housing environment for vulnerable groups is being actively promoted.

According to Suncheon City on the 7th, the city plans to demolish 498 slate buildings by investing a budget of over 1.6 billion KRW in this project.

This is a 140% increase compared to the previous year's project budget of 670 million KRW, the highest in the province. The city also added 100 million KRW from its own budget, differentiating it from other regions.

In particular, while slate disposal support was previously limited to houses, from this year it has been expanded to non-residential buildings as well, with support benefits available for 401 houses, 37 roof renovations, and 60 non-residential buildings.

Priority support is given to basic livelihood security recipients and lower-income groups among applicants. The support amount is up to 3.44 million KRW for houses, 4.27 million KRW for vulnerable group roof renovations, and 1.72 million KRW for non-residential buildings, with any excess project costs to be borne by the applicants.

Citizens wishing to participate in the project can fill out the application form on the city’s website and apply at the administrative welfare center of the building’s location by the 20th.

A Suncheon City official stated, “Asbestos contained in slate is a Group 1 carcinogen that causes lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma, laryngeal cancer, and ovarian cancer when it enters the human body through the respiratory tract,” and added, “We plan to demolish the slate within a short period to provide an excellent environmental right befitting Suncheon, the ecological capital of Korea.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.