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North Korea
Improvement of the potable water network in Munchon
As part of the water and sanitation projects carried out by Triangle G H in this city of 50,000 inhabitants, we performed a new assessment in October 2008. Our aim was to complete the technical documentation about improving and extending the water network; indeed, several areas of Munchun are still not connected.
Food aid in the framework of the Polder rehabilitation scheme 
In terms of Triangle’s technical and equipment help, the works stage (rehabilitation of outer dike, construction of inner dikes) is almost over. Owing to current food difficulties, it is essential to support the Ministry of Agriculture’s efforts in terms of land planning and preparing land for cultivation by June 2009. Our support includes providing basic foodstuffs to the laborers working on the site, the ministry being currently unable to provide such aid. The Food-for-Work project helps to maximize the impact of food safety and increase agricultural production in the area. At short-term level, it provides subsistence food to the 1500 people working the land, helping them over the tough “relay period” that will last till the rice harvest in the autumn of 2009.
Increase of the food production potential in South Pyongan province. Rehabilitation of Kumsong polder and reinforcement of the Polders Firm’s* capabilities.  
This programme aims to develop the potential of food production in South Pyongan province by rehabilitating the Kumsong polder and strengthening the capabilities of the Polders Company. Created in 1994, Kumsong polder has 3,207 hectares of crops. With 3 dikes, that are 7 meters high and 9 metres wide, it is some 15 kilometres long. The project targets the following groups: inhabitants of the Jung Ak Coop Farm, the Polders Company and the Engineering Department. 5,320 people will directly benefit from the project: 3,620 residents of the Coop Farm, 1,500 employees from the Polders Company and 200 employees from the Engineering Department. The project will also have an indirect benefit on all residents of Onchon, e.g. some 143,880 people. *National firm in charge of rehabilitating and maintaining the polders.
Support to the federation for protection of elderly people
This project extends a programme launched in 2004 that rehabilitated six retirement homes in the various provinces of North Korea and significantly improved the living conditions of the elderly people in the homes. As well as the direct action on the homes (rehabilitation of waterworks and heating systems, improved food safety via agricultural and breeding activities, and improved medical care), the first two phases of this programme featured an important aspect dedicated to strengthening the capacities of our local partner, the North Korean Federation for Protection of Elderly People. The current project includes follow-up of the work performed in the six homes targeted during the previous project, and enabled maintenance of the equipment supplied. Additionally, the project features training for the staff in the institutions and support for the Federation’s actions (such as publication of specialized journals about care for the elderly).
Additional Rehabilitation of the Waterworks System in Munchon Town (42,000 inhabitants).
After two projects dedicated to the rehabilitation of pumping and backflow systems and the increase of the water storage area (the new reservoir of 1000 cubic metres multiplied the original storage capacity by two), we are now working on rehabilitation of the waterworks in Munchon. Our aim is to rehabilitate the main part of the distribution system plus the waterworks feeding the town hospital to thus guarantee 60 litres a day per patient. In parallel, we are strengthening our Water Systems Management and Maintenance Programme and developing water hygiene awareness with the area’s inhabitants.
Support to Elderly People with No Families - Phase II
In the first phase of this project we rehabilitated three “old people’s homes”. During phase two, Triangle modernised three other homes and continued assisting "Help Age DPRK". This North Korean agency dedicated to helping elderly people recently became a federation named KFCA
Rehabilitation of the Drinking Waterworks System in Munchon and its Surroundings
Our aim was to increase the quality and quantity of drinking water in the town of Munchon (42,000 inhabitants). During the first rehabilitation phase of the existing infrastructures we performed the following initiatives :
Simultaneously, we monitored two previously implemented pilot projects:
Support to Elderly People with No Families - Phase I
In North Korea, there are 24 homes specialising in care for elderly people who do not have any family support. This project was therefore designed to help one of the most vulnerable population groups in North Korea. We particularly focused on strengthening the organisational capacities of the national “Help Age DPRK” agency to improve living conditions in three homes for aged people. |
Reforestation and Protection of the Environment in South Pyongyang and South Hwangae Province (Phase II)
This second phase of the project worked on three new nurseries while developing skills and techniques in the first three tree nurseries designed by Triangle in 2003. It contributed to improving the transplantation process via implementation of experimental plots and development of compost areas. * Flood Damage Rehabilitation Committee – The liaison between the North Korean government and independent international humanitarian contributors.
Rehabilitation of Polders in South Pyongyang Province
In the 70s, aiming to increase farmable areas, the Korean authorities developed the west coast’s large river deltas in Polders. However, owing to shortage of technical means, poor maintenance and especially the 1996 and 1997 tidal waves, part of the land reclaimed from the sea became once again unfit for farming. The works completed, our partners benefited from the equipment purchased to realize this project and, thanks to equipment and the new skills acquired, they then launched rehabilitation of a second polder.
Rehabilitation of Tree Nurseries, Protection of the En- vironment, Reforestation and Staff Training (Phase I)
This is project was the third of its type to be organised by Triangle in North Korea. It focused on two different aspects:
Rehabilitation of the Drinking Waterworks and Sanitation Systems in South Pyongyang Province
Main aims:
The results achieved in the previous project of this type were reinforced and three additional farm-cooperatives, as well as Pyongwon hospital, benefited from access to drinking water. This program also implemented two pilot actions:
Logistics Support on the Site of the Ryongchon Rail Catastrophe
In the aftermath of the rail catastrophe that took place on April 22 2004 in Ryongchon, Triangle supplied over 10 tons of soap and 4 tons of soybean oil. This aid was given in priority to homeless victims and the inhabitants of Ryongchon.
Reforestation and Protection of the Environment in South Pyongyang and South Hwangae Provinces (Phase I)
This project prolonged Triangle’s programme in support of the reforestation centre of South Pyongyang province. It involved rehabilitation of three tree nurseries and protection of the environment. We focused on the tree nurseries and on plant transplantation areas to increase the fight against land erosion, the production of fuel wood and of fodder. In collaboration with the FDRC (Flood Damage Rehabilitation Commitee), we also organised a training course about fighting deforestation. On request of the North Korean government, this training event included a seven-day study trip to China.
Insulation Works in Schools and Dispensaries in 8 Coop Farms
This project extended our action in the cooperative farms where Triangle had begun working in 2001. To improve the comfort of children and ailing people in the community schools and health centres, Triangle installed or replaced:
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