Comrades!
Just as we have done without fail for the past four years, today we once again hold a ceremony to commence construction on another 10,000 housing units for the new year.
With this year’s construction of 10,000 housing units, the 50,000-unit housing construction project in Pyongyang, which has been vigorously carried out since the Party Congress, will finally enter its completion stage.
At this meaningful moment, as we embark on the fourth phase of the Hwasong District housing project, I reflect on the past four years filled with astonishing feats, where we have advanced the timeline of transformation through intense struggle. The triumphant completion of new streets for the people year after year resonates strongly, deepening our emotions.
Through the noble spirit and dedication of our comrades to the capital’s construction, Pyongyang has transformed into an even grander and more splendid city, just as we had envisioned. This dignified and powerful image of our capital has become a turning point for great transformation, instilling a hundredfold confidence and determination in our people across the country.
This is a proud record of our era and a high appraisal of the immortal feats and honorable achievements of comrades who have upheld the Party’s long-cherished desires with the miracles of creation through persistent and unyielding struggle.
As reality shows, the most steadfastly and thoroughly executed project during the 8th Party Congress period has been the construction of 10,000 housing units in Pyongyang every year.
Despite the continued difficulties faced by the state during this period, the capabilities of various sectors of the national economy have expanded, and the overall economy has firmly entered a phase of sustainable growth. Unprecedented achievements in our Republic’s history have led to new records being set in various aspects of national affairs.
For example, during the five-year plan presented at the 8th Party Congress, the electricity industry has steadily expanded its growth rate, cement production has reached an all-time high, and the agricultural sector has firmly entered a trajectory of stable and high grain production.
Particularly in Pyongyang’s housing construction sector, not only have the goals set by the Party Congress been achieved, but also additional ambitious plans have been fully implemented without compromise each year. As a result, this sector has achieved the most stable and rapid growth. In 2024, its growth rate has reached an astonishing 391% compared to 2020.
Indeed, the past four years of nationwide construction, especially the 10,000-unit housing project, have recorded such a remarkable history that the phrase “Groundbreaking is as good as completion” has become a reality. This is an achievement we can proudly present to the world.
Just two days ago, I mentioned this while visiting Rakwon County.
Honestly, even just keeping up with all the groundbreaking and completion ceremonies these days feels overwhelming and busy, reflecting the numerous transformative moments we are experiencing.
This directly proves how many struggles we have raised and carried forward for the prosperity and transformation of our country.
Through these struggles, we have come to believe more firmly in our own strength, gaining indomitable determination and confidence to advance our cause.
Belief in our own strength and confidence—this is the most important thing. It is a spiritual asset even more valuable than the material wealth we have created.
On this significant occasion, as we embark on a new struggle to elevate the construction of our capital to a higher level, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and a militant salute to all construction comrades who march forward with pride and self-confidence, aiming for even grander goals.
I also extend my sincere appreciation to the officials and working-class laborers in related sectors, who have ensured the realization of our Party’s construction policies with an atmosphere of leap-forward development and productivity growth.
Comrades!
Today, construction projects have become the primary field of our struggle and are expanding their place at the center of our era.
On our path of struggle, moving from one great revolution to an even greater one, from one stage of development to an even higher level of transformation, the significance and power of construction are truly extraordinary.
Construction is an investment in and an exploration of the future.
The Party’s development strategy for bringing about epochal transformations in this land considers a construction revolution as an essential prerequisite. No major policy implementation of the Party and state, regardless of sector, unit, or region, can be carried out without accompanying construction efforts.
The historic mission of achieving comprehensive national rejuvenation and improving the people’s welfare begins with construction, is carried out through construction, and is accomplished through the success of construction.
One could say that nothing expresses our politics as directly, brings us closer to our ideals of civilization and prosperity, or rapidly increases national wealth as much as construction.
Construction not only serves as a powerful weapon for our state’s relentless progress and development but also, in itself, embodies our nation’s comprehensive strength. It plays a leading role in transforming all fields, including the economy, science and technology, and culture, demonstrating strong driving force.
The fact that our country is visibly changing and that unprecedented, astonishing transformations are unfolding in various areas of national life is directly linked to the astonishing progress made in architecture under the flames of the new construction revolution.
Alongside the nationwide construction projects being actively promoted, the overwhelming trend of change and advancement has become even more certain, and our cause is now progressing with even greater momentum.
If construction is the primary front determining the advancement of our revolution, then the key factor in its successful execution is the reaffirmation of the purpose and nature of our construction struggles.
Today’s groundbreaking ceremony serves as a meaningful occasion to reaffirm where our Party and state’s tremendous focus on grand construction lies and how our struggle and our model of transformative development are being realized.
The Hwasong District housing construction site is a living testament to people-first politics, a distinct symbol of our cause, which advances ever more powerfully toward the goals of a strong nation.
This is the essence and character of the grand construction battle that will unfold across Hwasong.
In this fourth phase of the Hwasong District construction, not only 10,000 housing units but also modern and diverse cultural facilities will be included.
From the beginning of this project, I have advocated for shaping Hwasong District into a model of urban planning within Pyongyang’s administrative zones, ensuring that all essential elements for residents’ daily lives are perfectly equipped.
Thus, for the Hwasong District project, the overall construction master plan and design have been carried out with a different concept from previous urban developments, and the actual construction has also progressed accordingly.
Of course, the cultural facilities planned for Hwasong District this year are large-scale and functionally complex buildings requiring high-level technical standards. Constructing these facilities simultaneously with 10,000 housing units is undoubtedly a formidable task.
However, because this vision aligns with the needs of the people, we must and will carry it out.
This is the consistent principle of our Party’s struggle.
When these new housing units rise magnificently, and the cultural facilities are perfectly equipped, Hwasong District will transform into a model for urban planning—a beautiful and grand place where architectural artistry and advanced civilization harmonize.
Comrades!
The construction of Pyongyang’s housing must continue until our Party’s vision of providing all the conditions for the capital’s residents to enjoy a civilized and happy life without inconvenience is fully realized.
Today, I would like to briefly summarize our Party’s policy direction for capital construction.
After completing the Hwasong District project, we will formally promote a policy to expand Pyongyang’s urban development toward the Kangdong area.
We plan to construct major scientific research institutes, technology universities, and military academies in the Daesong District, forming tens of thousands of modern housing units from Hwasong District to Samsok District’s Songmun-dong.
This will create another outstanding scientific, cultural, and residential district within Pyongyang’s urban framework.
Along with this, we will also push forward renovations of underdeveloped areas within the capital region, including Songyo District’s Deungme-dong, Moranbong District’s Wolhyang-dong, and Hyongjesan District’s Hadang-dong, as well as outdated suburban residential areas.
Comrades!
The great struggle for the people’s happiness and the proud achievements of our construction comrades will shine in history.
Let us courageously move forward toward a more prosperous Pyongyang and a happier life for our people!
Long live the great capital of our nation, Pyongyang!
