Kim Dong-yeon Visits Multi-Occupancy Housing Amid Cold Wave: "Will Rapidly Support Heating Expenses"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Gapdong] As a cold wave advisory took effect across Gyeonggi Province on the 9th, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon visited residential-vulnerable households (multi-occupancy housing) in Haenggung-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon, promising rapid support for heating expenses.

Governor Kim visited two households where men in their 60s reside, checking their heating conditions and inquiring about their health and meals. These residents are basic welfare recipients and eligible for Gyeonggi Province's emergency heating fee support in preparation for the cold wave.

After observing the situation of residents relying on electric heating pads for warmth, Governor Kim instructed Kim Ha-na, Director of Welfare at Gyeonggi Province who accompanied him at the scene: "(Excluding around the mat) I can see this area is quite cold. I'd like to quickly implement the heating fee support we've decided to provide."

Governor Kim further offered encouragement, saying: "Please take care of yourselves in this cold and stay healthy. I hope the heating fee support helps even a little in getting through the winter."

Another resident using an electric boiler complained of difficulty maintaining heating due to the burden of electricity costs.

In response, Governor Kim said: "I was worried and came to check because it's expected to drop to minus 18 degrees tomorrow. Everyone seems to be struggling, and I hope the heating fee support helps even a little. Please let us know if you need anything, and we'll provide support."

Meanwhile, Gyeonggi Province is investing 15.43 billion won from its disaster relief fund to protect safety-vulnerable populations struggling with rising heating costs, providing emergency support of 50,000 won for January's heating expenses to 300,000 households of basic welfare recipients and near-poor families.

This emergency heating fee support was realized after Governor Kim promptly accepted a proposal that emerged from a provincial-municipal emergency livelihood stabilization measure meeting held on the 17th of last month.

The province has been operating Disaster Safety Response Headquarters Level 1 since 1 p.m. on the 8th, working with cities and counties on activities including ▲strengthening safety checks for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and homeless ▲inspecting the operation of cold wave shelters ▲advancing preventive measures such as preventing cold damage to crops and livestock deaths.