The government announced that it will allocate a budget of 50.3 billion won for next year's research and development (R&D) for firefighting, a 64.9% increase compared to this year, in response to the recent series of tragic fires. It has decided to implement measures to prevent the recurrence of accidents, including applying verified advanced defense technology, such as strength-enhancing suits, to firefighting sites.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said during the opening remarks of the 3rd meeting of ministers on national issues held at the Government Sejong City on the 3rd, "To prevent the recurrence of fires, we must consider not only reinforcing firefighting facilities but also strengthening safety education and improving the care system comprehensively."
The government stated that it will distribute stand-alone alarm detectors to approximately 1.5 million vulnerable households and conduct safety education at over 3,000 elementary schools located in aging residential areas.
In addition, it plans to extend the operation of 350 after-school community care facilities into the evening.
As a follow-up measure to the apartment piloti parking lot fire in Gwangmyeong in July, which resulted in many casualties, the government will quickly supply initial response equipment, including arc barriers, to 30,000 piloti-structured apartments and implement a building performance verification system as part of fundamental safety improvements.
During the meeting, the government also discussed issues such as the 'firefighting R&D strengthening plan' and the 'support plan for workers' meals.'
The government plans to apply defense technology to firefighting sites and undertake bold investments in the firefighting R&D sector to fundamentally strengthen capabilities and systems.
To reduce the meal cost burden of workers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in areas with declining population and poor living conditions, it plans to pilot the 'support for workers' hearty meal' project for three years starting next year.
In particular, starting in October, it will promote a pilot project for 'one-thousand-won breakfast,' focusing on small enterprises.