Imsil-gun 'Slate Removal and Roof Improvement Project' Promotion

Imsil-gun, Jeonbuk Province announced on the 18th that it will promote the 2024 slate removal and roof improvement project to protect the health of residents from the carcinogen asbestos and improve the living environment.

Imsil County is promoting the slate removal and roof improvement project for 2024.
[Photo by Imsil County]

With a secured budget of 1.1 billion KRW this year, the county plans to carry out slate removal and roof improvement projects for a total of 297 buildings, including 260 houses, 13 non-residential buildings such as small warehouses and livestock sheds, and 24 roof improvements.

The support amount for slate removal is up to 7 million KRW per house, full support for non-residential buildings such as warehouses and livestock sheds with slate areas of 200㎡ or less, and up to 3 million KRW for roof improvements, with any excess amount borne by the individual.

However, for vulnerable groups such as basic livelihood security recipients and near-poverty class, the scope of support is further expanded. Houses receive full support, and roof improvements are supported up to 10 million KRW.

Residents wishing to apply must visit the town or township office where the building is located by the 29th of next month and fill out and submit the application form according to the guidance of the person in charge. If selected as a beneficiary, the construction will proceed.

Slate contains 10-15% asbestos, which is harmful to the human body, and although its use has been completely banned since 2009, asbestos dust scattered from old and deteriorated slate installed previously threatens residents' health, making slate removal urgent.

County Governor Shim Min said, “There are many asbestos buildings left unattended due to the economic burden of slate disposal costs,” and added, “We hope this support will help reduce residents’ financial burden and protect their health, thereby creating a pleasant living environment.”

Meanwhile, since 2013 until last year, the county has invested 5.846 billion KRW in slate removal and roof improvement support projects, supporting a total of 2,006 buildings.

Imsil = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Park Nosik baekok@asiae.co.kr