On the 16th, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said, “Recognizing the current situation where the construction industry is facing difficulties due to rising construction expenses and unprecedented cost pressure, I will actively promote the early ordering and commencement of public construction projects to ensure at least minimal liquidity is supplied.”
The mayor presided over an emergency economic meeting in the construction sector at Seoul City Hall that day, presenting policies aimed at improving the construction industry. This move is interpreted as an initiative to prepare support measures for the construction industry amid the ongoing recession in construction and real estate, as well as the prolonged impeachment situation.
The mayor first stated that he would actively promote the early ordering and commencement of public construction projects. He noted, “By early executing the budget for the maintenance and upkeep of aging infrastructure connected to citizens' daily lives, including not only large-scale public construction projects and privately funded social overhead capital (SOC) projects but also roads and waterworks, I will protect citizens' daily lives and help stabilize the construction industry.”
He also added, “While strengthening cooperation with the government, I will gather opinions from the construction industry to adequately calculate construction expenses and construction periods effectively at the stages of the Seoul City construction project planning and construction technology review.”
He introduced safety measures for construction workers in the industry. Mayor Oh mentioned, “Seoul is the only public institution that pays weekly allowances to construction workers and supports pension and health insurance premiums,” adding, “We will also push for a plan to directly pay construction worker wages, including indirect workers, from the Seoul City.”
He added, “From next year, we will support the income of construction workers to ensure that they can maintain their minimum living standards even during heatwaves and heavy snowfall.”
Mayor Oh stated, “The construction industry is one of the most important pillars of the economy, providing urban infrastructure in a timely manner to enhance the convenience of citizens' lives,” noting, “I will fulfill my responsibilities and roles so that the construction industry can leap forward as a robust future industry supporting the economy and jobs.”
Attending the meeting that day were Choi Tae-jin, president of the Seoul chapter of the Korea Associated Builders Corporation, Kim Hong-soo, president of the Seoul chapter of the Korea Specialty Contractors Association, and Kim Jae-sik, vice president of the Korea Housing Association, among others from the construction industry.