UNKRA Helps Reconstruction of Fire-Ravaged Pusan

Even before the disastrous fire which ravaged Pusan had burned itself out, the UN Korean Reconstruction Agency (UNKRA) offered 5,500,000 board feet of construction lumber suitable for the construction of houses for the tens of thousands of homeless. Later, plans were made to erect modern, permanent housing to replace the homes which burned down, and UNKRA made available 46 of its ""Land-crete"" machines to help in the reconstruction of the city. The machines, imported from South Africa to aid the Agency's housing program, turn out pressed earthblocks made of a mixture of earth and cement, and can be operated by Korean laborers with training. They have been turned over to the Army of the Republic of Korea, and technical staff has been provided to assist in the rebuilding. This photograph gives an interior view of a section of one of the new houses, showing cupboard space in the main room.