Assemblyman Kim Jeongsu: "Serious Stagnation in Asbestos Slate Removal Project... Urgent Need to Strengthen Promotion"

Kim Jeongsu of Gangwon Provincial Assembly: "Asbestos Slate Removal Project Faces Serious Issues with 57.5% Unprocessed Rate"
Cheorwon, Samcheok, Gangneung Among Regions with Over 70% Unprocessed Cases... Calls for Diverse Solutions

Kim Jeongsu, Gangwon Provincial Assembly member. Photo by Gangwon Provincial Assembly

Kim Jeongsu, a Gangwon Provincial Assembly member (Cheorwon-gun 1, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Committee), expressed concern during the budget review for the Forest and Environment Bureau at the 342nd regular session held on November 24, regarding the prolonged stagnation of the 'Asbestos Slate Removal Project.' He urged smooth promotion by each city and county, as well as the swift securing of the necessary budget.

According to the status report on the asbestos slate removal project submitted to Assemblyman Kim Jeongsu by Gangwon Province, as of November 2025, the overall unprocessed rate stands at 57.5% (47,659 buildings), and the related budget has been reduced by more than 5 billion won compared to 2023.

Assemblyman Kim Jeongsu pointed out, "Although the project is scheduled for completion by 2033, there are still about 4,800 buildings left unprocessed, which is a serious situation. The difficulties are being compounded as the budget is cut every year."

He further expressed concern, stating, "Looking at the status by city and county, there are 11 regions where the unprocessed rate exceeds 50%. In Cheorwon, Samcheok, and Gangneung, the number of unprocessed buildings exceeds 5,000, and the rate is close to 70%."

Assemblyman Kim Jeongsu also pointed out, "There are cases where some residents give up on the project because the demolition costs supported by the province and local governments differ from the actual costs charged by on-site contractors. In particular, the lack of adequate promotion regarding the dangers of asbestos in rural areas with a large elderly population is a significant problem."

He strongly urged the executive branch, stating, "Although asbestos removal falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Forest and Environment Bureau, the housing projects for asbestos removal are handled by the Construction Bureau. Therefore, the project should be promoted in various ways in connection with the Construction Bureau's vacant house maintenance and urban renewal projects."

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